Police mobile devices move closer

Police are to get better access to information

Police forces in England and Wales will be able to procure pre-packaged systems to give frontline officers handheld computers as part of framework deals with suppliers Airwave Solutions and Cable & Wireless.

The framework agreement was signed by the National Policing Improvement Agency – the central body which procures new technology for the police - and give forces the choice of the two systems.

Forces will still be able to procure independent systems should they wish, though the Airwave and Cable & Wireless deals are likely to be cheaper and faster to implement.

The deal also gives forces a choice of networks, devices, applications and support services.

The deal is part of the Home Office's £50m programme to provide more than 10,000 mobile data devices to frontline officers by the end of September this year.

The devices will provide access to applications such as Command and Control and the Police National Computer as well as providing electronic notebooks and online forms – allowing reports to be filed without an officer returning to the station.

Airwave already supplies all police forces in the UK with digital radios.

Sir Ronnie Flanagan's review of policing recommended greater access to information for front line officers.