Police take tablets to stay on the beat

Shropshire Police can now take their 'paperwork' on patrol with them.

Officers in Market Drayton Safer Neighbourhood teams have been issued with mobile tablet computers.

The 'Tetratab' tablets enable officers to access a range of force systems remotely via a secure connection, reducing the need for them to return to the station during their shift.

In the past, officers have sometimes been desk-bound or forced to spend valuable time returning to the station to gather information required to deal with incidents.

With new technology, officers can remotely access the Police National Computer (PNC), check photographs, access mapping information and receive incident reports.

They have already demonstrated their value to front-line policing. On one occasion officers searching for a suspect in a baby snatch were able to react immediately having been sent an image of the suspect.

On another occasion, following a tip off that a wanted man was in a pub, officers were able to view his image on a mobile device before entering the pub and arresting him quickly and efficiently.

It is anticipated that the introduction of the devices will enhance police response by keeping officers on the streets and reducing calls to the control room.

Bill Longmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, said: "Keeping our officers on the beat is vital if we are to continue to reassure our communities and instil confidence in the service we provide. By equipping our officers with mobile data terminals we will be able to deliver a more visible and responsive service to the public."

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