Southland police test tracking app

Southland’s police played guinea pig last month, trailing a new track-and-trace phone app that could help them stay safe.

A police media spokeswoman said the app was trialled during the start of November and had highlighted benefits such as greater staff safety and improved deployment.

‘‘Once the app is turned on, it provides location updates that can be viewed via a web application,’’ she said.

New Zealand Police Association region seven director Grant Gerken said he supported the idea of officers being tracked as it gave police a way of keeping its staff safe.

‘‘I am supportive of any concept which ensures that our deployed staff are able to be readily located and proximate units deployed expediently when backup is required.’’

Any potential privacy issues for members would largely be addressed by their ability to shut the app down when they were off duty, he said.

The trial was successful in the region, however, more would be known after the results had been studied, he said.

‘‘Early indications are that the trial went well down here in Southern.

‘‘However, once the trial has been fully evaluated we will be in a better position to make a fully informed decision on the implications of a national rollout to our membership.’’

While no date had been confirmed for a national rollout, the spokeswoman said the trial was an opportunity to test the technology in an operational setting.

During the pilot there were no changes to existing processes and procedures, and no new risk to staff safety, she said.

‘‘Once the app is turned on, it provides location updates that can be viewed via a web application.’’ Police media spokeswoman