The force insisted that security would be strong, with federated identity, a thorough audit trail, and a common assurance model across user forces and suppliers.

The Metropolitan Police last month created a specialist cloud computing team to deliver the early requirements. While the project is likely to go ahead, it is not yet definite.

The force said in a statement that it was "constantly looking at its future systems and IT infrastructure requirements and how they may best be delivered". Cloud computing was "one potential ser of options", it said. "We are working with both the Home Office and other policing colleagues, and the supplier market, on how these can be delivered in the most efficient, effective and collaborative manner."

The move is being motivated by the Metropolitan Police's view that many of its key systems are too complex and costly, and are reaching the end of their lifespan.

Any replacement would need to be agile, meet government and police standards, and exist in the context of operational cost cutting. The police are weighing up cloud computing as a potential solution to meet these challenges.