Merseyside Police is launching new handheld devices to frontline police officers and staff, delivering information direct to their fingertips and keeping them patrolling the streets for longer.



Following a successful pilot scheme, the Samsung devices are now being rolled out to almost 3,000 operational officers and staff. The devices will provide officers with an electronic mobile toolbox helping them to do more on the move, including access to IT systems including email, camera and an electronic pocket notebook.





Assistant Chief Constable Ian Critchley said: "As a force, this technology once again puts our communities first. Officers being able to access information and images at a scene enables a quick response, saves time and helps officers and staff in different locations make informed decisions in what are often serious and complex investigations.

Superintendent Simon Irving, head of the project, said: "Demands of modern policing are changing fast and the force must embrace developments in technology to give our staff on the front line accurate and timely information.

"This is only the start of mobile policing, and we will soon be testing and rolling out further applications to continuously improve the efficiency of our officers. These devices will ensure that officers will be on our streets for longer and share information with colleagues in real-time.



"I want to reassure the public that if they notice officers on the street using these devices, they are carrying out vital enquiries whilst patrolling our communities. By all means talk to our officers if you have any concerns, and they will be able explain the benefits."

Officers who have been using the devices have commented:
"Updating systems directly from the handheld is fantastic, prevents photocopying, scanning and saves time."
"The ability to view a caller's location enables me to get to the address quicker and easier."
"When looking for someone missing from home, I have been able to search main force systems and obtain a photo immediately."

"new handheld devices to frontline police officers and staff, delivering information direct to their fingertips"

Wait until they get the internet - it will really blow their minds.

I love how they can find the money for these and a new multi million pound HQ in Liverpool - but not for extra bobbies on the beat !

What good will extra technology be if there are only a handful of police working such a large area !

I reckon I can count the number of Police officers I've seen on the beat this year on the fingers of one hand so I really don't see this waste of money having any effect on police efficiency at all. I'm pretty sure I heard the reporter on the radio say these devices will each cost £400 a year to run. For the same money we could have about 60 new officers. I don't know why they keep dusting off the same old " keeping officers out on the beat" song when they've been getting rid of those particular officers for years.

Originally Posted by Georgio

I reckon I can count the number of Police officers I've seen on the beat this year on the fingers of one hand so I really don't see this waste of money having any effect on police efficiency at all. I'm pretty sure I heard the reporter on the radio say these devices will each cost £400 a year to run. For the same money we could have about 60 new officers. I don't know why they keep dusting off the same old " keeping officers out on the beat" song when they've been getting rid of those particular officers for years.

Yes agreed its mindblowing considering how poorly they investigate most small crimes. Its amazing how many speed camera vans lancashire seems to have as well.