Visible benefits of mobile working

Frontline officers have been taking advantage of hand-held technology as the first phase of a mobile data project comes to an end.

Around 500 devices have now been distributed to Durham Constabulary officers, with the next phase of the project due to start early this year.

The roll-out of electronic tablets was designed to cut down on the amount of paperwork incurred by frontline officers, enabling them to be more mobile and visible in the community.

Inspector Mick Button, who has been leading on the project from the outset, said: “This initial phase has seen a number of benefits, including less duplication and an improved use of mobile working right at the heart of the community, without the ongoing need for officers to travel back to stations to write up their reports.”

He said an evaluation report is being completed that will shape how the next phase of the project will be rolled out over the coming months.

Durham police and crime commissioner Ron Hogg – who highlighted innovation as one of the approaches to policing in his Police, Crime and Victims’ Plan 2016/21 – said that in a time of austerity and the long-term impact affecting police budgets, it was “important that all forces work in innovative ways to meet the demands on services”.

“The use of mobile devices has already seen a number of benefits which have improved performance across the force area. Crimes can be logged more quickly so that officers can spend less time doing paperwork. Ultimately this means that officers can provide a better quality of service, spend extra time with the victim and use their time more efficiently by serving the public,” he added.