Forces go mobile with laptops and tablets
Humberside Police and South Yorkshire Police are to expand their use of mobile technology.
The joint project is designed to improve the visibility of police officers and police community support officers (PCSOs) through the increased use of tablet devices and lightweight laptops, enabling them to spend more time on the beat.
Funding of £1 million has been secured through the Governments precursor fund of £20 million that was made available to police and crime commissioners (PCCs) ahead of the first full year of operation of its Police Innovation Fund that will be worth up to £50 million a year from 2014/15.
The joint bid followed a pilot study in which police officers and PCSOs on patrol were provided with tablet devices and laptops enabling them to access key force applications without the need to return to the police station. Early feedback showed this allowed them to complete paperwork in a variety of locations, including the homes of victims of crime, speeding up and improving service.
Humberside PCC Matthew Grove said: The trials showed officers were able to spend up to two hours extra per shift on patrol when they had mobile technology available to them. Multiply this across the force and it will lead to a significant increase in our police presence and allow a better service to residents.
He added: While we cant totally free them from administrative tasks, this technology makes it easier and quicker for them.
I am constantly told by the public they want to see police officers and PCSOs out on patrol in their communities, not hidden away in police stations, but at present our officers are constantly pulled back into buildings to complete paperwork and respond to emails.
This will allow us to move forward with our plans to open more police access points in shared buildings across the force area so officers can be more widely distributed in more communities, not just concentrated in a few large police stations as they are at present.
Humberside Police Assistant Chief Constable Alan Leaver added: Providing mobile technology to officers and staff when and where they need it allows them to be out and about in our communities which is where the public wants to see them. Not only will it offer the opportunity for greater visibility but it will enable officers to work more efficiently and effectively, delivering an improved service to the public.