Surrey Police have united with two other forces to transform their telecoms technology and make savings of up to 20 per cent.

Surrey, Thames Valley and Hampshire Police have signed a seven-year £37.4m contract with BT aiming to transform the telecommunications used by the forces.

Savings will be made by standardising technology and service models and creating more cost-effective networks, while it is hoped the deal will enable better collaboration between the forces as they will be able to connect and share information across a trusted data network for the south east region.

Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner Kevin Hurley said: "It makes sense for our police forces to work together.

"We share the same basic goals, deliver a range of common services and have the same needs in terms of the infrastructure that supports our officers and staff in serving the public.

"This contract is another important step forward for collaboration between police Forces in the South East that will improve our communications infrastructure and save public money."