Primary parts of Incis put on standby

By Eugene Bingham

Key components of the Incis police computer system are on hold as the Government considers cutting its losses on the project.

Prime Minister Jenny Shipley said in Parliament yesterday that the Government was holding discussions with IBM about whether future stages of the project would be completed.

It was the first time the Government has admitted it may abandon aspects of the system - set to cost up to $127 million, $30 million more than originally expected.

The system had been scheduled to be up and running two years ago, but the first stage is expected to be introduced only this week.

The crucial second stage, described as the core Incis component and the part that will replace the Wanganui Computer, and stage three, which is a further refinement, are in doubt.

Deputy Police Commissioner Barry Matthews said yesterday that $104 million had been spent on the system so far, including a mainframe computer, more than 3000 personal computers, 800 printers and a new database.

Labour MP George Hawkins said he understood IBM "wanted out."

"They are now looking at buying their way out.

"I think we will end up with the basic system without the bells and whistles."

The president of the Police Association, Greg O'Connor, said the first stage was "Wanganui with Windows."

The introduction of Incis was forecast to reduce administrative tasks and lead to layoffs of 540 staff by the end of June next year.

It is not known what effect cancelling stages two and three are likely to have on the proposed cuts.