DM-4 Response Accepted Self-assessed

Review HOLMES system resources

Recommendation

The HOLMES system is both an investigative tool and a quality assurance mechanism, but it requires significant resources if it is to be used properly. The Panel recommends that the Metropolitan Police conduct an investigation into the adequacy of resources for administering HOLMES in major crime investigations carried out by the Metropolitan Police.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the official government response from June 2023 and the Metropolitan Police Service from January 2022, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) conducted a capacity and capability review of resources for administering the HOLMES system in major crime investigations, as recommended. This review concluded in January 2022, determining that there was sufficient resourcing for HOLMES management. The MPS stated that this resourcing is subject to an annual review.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
Jurisdiction
England
Section Reference
Volume 1
Response
Accepted
Accepted Metropolitan Police Service
22 Jun 2023

The MPS has conducted a capacity and capability review of resources deployed to HOLMES, with consideration of national guidance. The review was concluded in January 2022 which concluded there is sufficient resourcing for the management for HOLMES. This is subject to an annual review to assess levels of trained staff and resourcing.

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Published Evidence

Published assessments of implementation progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Check the source type badge to see whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.

Confirmed Completed
31 Jan 2022
Metropolitan Police Service Other

The MPS conducted a capacity and capability review of HOLMES resources concluded January 2022. The review found sufficient resourcing for HOLMES management, subject to annual review of trained staff levels.

View detailed findings

HOLMES resourcing review completed January 2022.

MPS progress update, January 2022 View Source
Source
Report The Report of the Daniel Morgan Independent Panel 15 Jun 2021
Responsible Bodies
Metropolitan Police Service Primary
Recommendation age 4.8 yrs
Last formal update 1006 days ago