Police to get tablet computers – to keep them on the beat

A TOTAL of 1,700 tablet computers are to be issued to police officers in Cheshire – to enable them to spend more time on the beat.
The investment by Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer could mean officers spending an extra 340,000 hours on the streets, police chiefs believe.
The majority of officers will be provided with the mobile computing devices later this year.
Chief constable Simon Byrne said: “It’s a real opportunity to improve the productivity of our officers.
“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 wifi or 4g connections allow.
“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.
“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.”
Mr Dwyer said: “I have long stated my desire for Cheshire Constabulary to be at the cutting edge of technology.
“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 want.
“I committed to enhance front-line 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 roll-out of mobile tablets is planned for later this year and comes on the back of a six month pilot.
Tablet computers from some of the world’s are currently being assessed and 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 that reduce bureaucracy and improve efficiency.