Force invests in mobile computing power

Cheshire Constabulary is investing in 1,700 tablet computers that could mean an extra 340,000 hours of police officer time on the streets.

The force is looking to provide the majority of its officers with the latest mobile computing devices later this year.

“It’s a real opportunity to improve the productivity of our officers,” said Chief Constable Simon Byrne.

“We estimate that providing these devices – properly connected to the systems we use – will save an average of an hour per officer per patrol.

That’s the equivalent of putting an extra 200 officers on the streets.”

He said by having mobile computing power in their pockets, connected to force systems, “there will be no need for officers to return several times per shift to a station to complete routine reports”.

“Instead, they can file reports from victims’ homes, from libraries or council offices, even in town centres themselves – wherever wi-fi or 4G connections allow,” added Mr Byrne.

“As importantly, they will be able to access force systems and share intelligence in real-time – which means that information about a suspect or missing person can be shared across the county in seconds, rather than hours as it is currently.”

The devices are being funded by Cheshire police and crime commissioner John Dwyer.

The force said it is now assessing some of the products available from Samsung, HP and Lenovo, both for cost and for how well they match up to the needs of officers as they patrol the streets.

“I have long stated my desire for Cheshire Constabulary to be at the cutting-edge of technology”, said Mr Dwyer.

“Through my investment in the constabulary, we’re seeing how modern technology can be used to transform the way police officers work. By providing the latest tablets, we expect to see our officers spending more time in the community, which is precisely what the public wants.

“I committed to enhance frontline policing for Cheshire and to use innovative technology to support a modern agile police force – the investment is another demonstration of how this is being delivered.”

The rollout of mobile tablets is planned for later in 2016. It comes on the back of a six-month pilot, which has resulted in a decision to procure Microsoft Windows 10-based tablets for ease of connectivity to police IT systems.

Work is already underway in-house to develop a range of applications that will enable officers to use back-office systems while on the move – as well as developing new ways of working to reduce bureaucracy and improve efficiency.

In December, Cheshire Constabulary invested in a computer system used by the defence and security industries – and found in some of the most hi-tech control rooms around the globe – that Mr Byrne said will “transform” the way in which the force works.

Officers will be able to access everything in one user interface – allowing both those in the control centre and officers on the ground equipped with tablet devices to see and share real-time information at the same time.

Previously, Cheshire had used seven separate systems in its control room to answer calls, manage incidents, deploy resources and communicate with officers and staff on the ground. The new SAFE platform, provided by Swedish defence and security company Saab, will replace all of these, integrating them into a single unified solution.