Purpose

Since 1992, Tracker Network (UK) Ltd has provided police forces with access to their computer-based electronic tracking system at no cost. This system assists forces in locating, tracking and recovering stolen vehicles within their respective police areas.

The previous agreement, originally signed by ACPO in 2014 and subsequently extended, expired on 31 March 2026. A new arrangement is required to continue access to this service.

The NPCC are recommending that forces enter into a new Sponsorship Agreement rather than continuing under the previous contractual arrangement.

PCCs have clear statutory authority to accept sponsorship under Section 93 of the Police Act 1996

Tracker's offering, providing a tracking system and associated services free of charge to assist in vehicle recovery, is typical sponsorship and qualifies under these provisions.

GMP Financial Regulations provide that the Chief Constable may approve individual sponsorship’s (in kind and/or value up to £10,000). Sponsorship in excess of £10,000 or any other type of sponsorship must be authorised in advance by the Deputy Mayor.

Under the new Sponsorship Arrangement, going forward, it is anticipated that only new vehicles would be fitted. Based on a review of the registration data, this equates to approximately 24 new vehicles per year.

Using this assumption:

• 24 vehicles per year × £300 per vehicle (hardware and installation)
= £7,200 per annum for the duration of the sponsorship.
• Therefore, the estimated value of the Sponsorship amounts to £36,000 over a 5 year term.
• There is also an estimated software licensing cost, from a communications perspective, in the region of £20,000, though this is purely indicative and no record of any actual payment having been made by GMP has been found.

As the estimated value of the sponsorship exceeds the Chief Constable’s £10,000 individual sponsorship approval limit, Deputy Mayor’s approval is required to enable the Chief Constable to sign the Confirmation of Acceptance Form to enable continued access to the Tracker system.

The Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) will enter into the Sponsorship Agreement as the legal entity on behalf of NPCC, representing England and Wales police forces and GMP will be a Participating Force.

Decision

The Deputy Mayor authorises the Chief Constable to sign the Confirmation of Acceptance form enabling GMP to accept the new NPCC Tracker Network System Sponsorship Agreement.