Police in Strathclyde, Scotland is launching a trial of mobile computer equipment that links the cop on the beat directly into central command.
The palm-sized computer known as Mobile Data Terminals allows the police to check out suspects in seconds and cuts through hours of paperwork, Sky news reported on Friday.
When coming across anyone suspicious, the officer could type in the details and the computer runs a check on the name, address and any criminal record. It can also send back an image of the person in question. All done in seconds, on the spot, said the report.
The police officer can even issue a fixed penalty notice via a small printer that clips onto the belt. Some forces around the country have used the device and associated equipment on their own.
The computers are also fitted to the dashboards of police vehicles. Aside from providing access to data, they are used as electronic notebooks that save on paperwork.
Officers use them to record crime and accident reports, take witness statements and other on-the-job details. At the end of their shift, they 'dock' the notebook and the downloaded information is passed onto the relevant departments.
The trial in Strathclyde is a fully integrated system, which is going to transform the way a police officer works.
Police in Strathclyde estimate the system will save each officer an hour's paperwork a day and allow them more time on patrol, equivalent to hiring 339 new officers.
Ricky Gray, deputy chief constable, said: "It will provide the public with an enhanced delivery of service which reflects a force committed to reducing crime through modern day policing methods."
The project is part of an eight month mobile data trial in conjunction with the National Policing Improvement Agency.
Source: Xinhua
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