Cumbria Police Force has taken a major step forward in its digital policing capabilities by partnering with Ericsson and Axon to deploy cutting-edge cellular connectivity in over 50 police vehicles.
Using the Ericsson Cradlepoint R1900 router, this initiative delivers reliable, high-speed mobile data connectivity, enabling officers to access live information, share real-time intelligence, and respond more effectively to incidents across the vast county.
Policing today heavily depends on data from laptops, smartphones, and various body and vehicle-mounted cameras. Thanks to Axon’s connected ecosystem — including Axon Evidence and Axon Fusus — these tools are now integrated into a seamless, interoperable network that enhances decision-making and officer safety. However, challenging geography and outdated infrastructure previously limited network coverage in some areas, hampering frontline response and operational efficiency.
The installation of Ericsson’s R1900 routers has transformed this landscape. By integrating live data streams into the Axon platform, connectivity has become more stable and widespread. One key example is the enhanced use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras mounted on police vehicles, which now automatically flag vehicles of interest regardless of location. This allows officers to focus on actual threats rather than routine stops, increasing operational precision.
The impact is especially evident during large-scale events such as Appleby Horse Fair, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually. As one of the UK’s smallest police forces in terms of staffing but one of the largest geographically, Cumbria Police must operate efficiently and strategically. Since deploying the Ericsson and Axon solutions, officers have been able to identify high-risk individuals proactively and monitor live intelligence throughout the event. In 2024, this approach contributed to the arrest of 123 people — more than double the previous decade’s average — and a notable rise in Traffic Offence Reports from 220 in 2023 to 377 in 2025, thanks to connected vehicle cameras.
“Ericsson’s in-vehicle routers have been a game-changer, providing officers with real-time intelligence and enabling more precise, proactive policing. This has made Cumbria a less attractive place for criminals and boosted morale among frontline responders. Our commitment to delivering outstanding service is supported by these technological advances, helping us protect communities more effectively,” said Chief Inspector Lee Skelton.
Graham Everington, Ericsson’s Sales Manager for the Public Sector, emphasized the importance of dependable connectivity for emergency responders, noting that “reliable, high-speed networks are vital for emergency services to perform their duties effectively. We’re proud to support Cumbria Police’s mission and look forward to further collaborations to enhance community safety.”
“Supporting Cumbria Police with real-time data integration is a testament to how connected technology improves response times, collaboration, and officer safety. By embedding live video and alerts into the Axon ecosystem, we’re helping officers serve communities faster and more securely,” said Alex Lowe, Senior Director of Sales at Axon for UK and Ireland.
This innovative partnership demonstrates how reliable cellular connectivity and integrated digital tools are reshaping law enforcement, making policing more proactive, efficient, and community-focused.
