Recommendation DM-4: Review HOLMES system resources
From The Report of the Daniel Morgan Independent Panel, published 15 June 2021.
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.
In brief (written by this site)
The Panel asked the Metropolitan Police to assess resources for administering its major enquiry system. In June 2023, the Home Office stated that the force concluded a capacity and capability review in January 2022, which determined there was sufficient resourcing for the Home Office Large Major Enquiry System (HOLMES), subject to annual reviews of staffing and resources (Home Office response, Jun 2023). The service had stated in March 2022 that its review was complete, with national governance and a dedicated board established and no resourcing shortfalls identified (Metropolitan Police Service response, Mar 2022). The record holds nothing dated later than the response of June 2023 (Home Office response, Jun 2023).
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 5 Oct 2026. The record below is the sources' own words.
Government response
2.1.6. The Panel raised the limited capability of the MPS in relation to HOLMES (Home Office Large Major Enquiry System). HOLMES is a computerised database designed to support the police investigation of major crimes, which was used by the Panel to access material relating to the MPS’s Daniel Morgan investigations. 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.
- Capacity and capability review of resources deployed to HOLMES complete.
- The new National Major Incident Room Standardised Administrative Procedures (MIRSAP) manual details the set up and use of HOLMES as a management tool.
- MPS HOLMES board and national governance in place.
- Future demand is reviewed and assessed under current governance structures.
- No resourcing shortfalls identified for HOLMES management.
Delivery
Metropolitan Police Service says in progress (1 January 2022)
MPS has undertaken a capacity and capability review of resources deployed to HOLMES.
The new National Major Incident Room Standardised Administrative Procedures (MIRSAP) manual was published 1st November 2021, containing guidance on MIR set up and use of HOLMES as a management tool.
From: Annex 1 - Daniel Morgan Independent Panel Recommendations Progress Update January 2022 (accessible)
Site note: From the Metropolitan Police Service's "Daniel Morgan Independent Panel Recommendations Progress Update January 2022", Annex 1 to the Commissioner's letter of 27 January 2022, published by the Home Office on GOV.UK on 7 March 2022: the "Progress update" entry for this recommendation. The update gives only the month, so the date shown is the first of that month. The update rates this recommendation "On target", not "Complete", so the row is marked in progress.
Source
Responsible bodies
Themes and tags
Who has spoken
- Home Office
Response - Metropolitan Police Service
Response, delivery statement