Rollout begins of handheld technology that will give police more time to spend on beat

POLICE IN North Yorkshire have been equipped with innovative new handheld technology designed to let them spend more time on the beat.

Officers and police community support officers (PCSOs) are using tablets and smartphones equipped with specially developed software that cuts down on desk time by letting them work from virtually anywhere in the county.

North Yorkshire Police estimates that when fully rolled out, the devices will save the average officer about one hour per shift – a combination of fewer return visits to the police station and making administrative processes quicker.

As a result, it is also estimated that it could increase officer visibility by up to 11 per cent.

Harrogate PC Adam Smith, one of the first officers to use the new technology, said: “One of the biggest changes is that it saves a lot of time. That means we can be out and about much more and don’t have to keep returning to the station to do things like read a log or fill in paper forms.

“You do this job because you enjoy working with people, so anything that increases the amount of time we can spend with people in our communities is a massive bonus. It’s sure to improve the way we work.”

As part of North Yorkshire Police’s Operational Mobile Working (OMW) project, front-line officers and PCSOs will receive the new devices this year. They will allow them to gather and build evidence at the scene of a crime and upload it to police systems immediately, as well as compile, submit and share files with colleagues from anywhere.

It will also allow them to complete administrative tasks during “down-time” between other jobs, such as while waiting at court or between meetings.

Superintendent Mike Walker, who has led the project for North Yorkshire Police, said: “People often tell us they like to see police officers and PCSOs out on the beat.

“This technology means officers and PCSOs can spend more time keeping people and communities safe, and less time sitting behind a desk.

“This is great on an individual basis, but when we scale it up across the county, the total amount of time we save as a force is massive.”