The contract - between BT's Global Services division and the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA), which is the oversight organisation for MPS supplies and budgets - will help police staff and management enhance the security of their buildings and computer systems.

Catherine Crawford, the MPA's chief executive, says that the deal will allow the Authority to enhance its security and risk management procedures, as well as introduce more efficient IT processes plus new ways of working.

BT says it plans to integrate the MPA's existing security systems into the identity and access management systems.

Mike Blackburn, director of central government and home affairs with BT Global Services, says that integrated physical and IT security is becoming ever more important in today's society.

"By converging both physical and logical security, organisations have the ability to tighten security, audit users for compliance and deliver operational efficiencies."