WEST Yorkshire Police is leading the way in one of the biggest technological advancements in modern policing.

Four thousand hand-held devices are being issued to front line officers and staff, replacing old pocket note books. The mobile devices contain online ‘apps’ which allow the users to record a crime without having to return to a station.

Assistant Chief Constable, Andy Battle said it means more time spent in our communities. “This initiative will exploit technology to maximise the capability and effectiveness of policing at the front-line,” he said. “It will potentially lead to 7,000 front line officers and staff using the devices.

“As a result of this project, there will be an increase in the amount of time they are able to spend on the streets, dealing with crime and public safety. The device includes an e-notebook which will enable us to record information and make intelligence submissions via secure mobile police apps.

“Officers will be able to enter electronic witness statements and complete missing person forms without having to put pen to paper back at base. Similarly, the device will allow users to view and update incidents whilst on the beat, increasing our visibility, responsiveness and presence on the streets.

“According to a national audit conducted in 2012 which looked at mobile working in policing across the UK, an average of 18 minutes of additional time on the streets was generated. From a West Yorkshire perspective, one minute of extra time on the street per officer, per day equates to a million pounds worth of additional policing annually."

“We continue to look for ways to revolutionise the way we do business, creating efficiency savings that will ultimately benefit the communities we serve long into the future.”

West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson said: “Providing the best possible service to our communitiesthrough modern mobile technology and innovation is at the heart of my Police and Crime Plan. The investment is being provided through a transformation fund as part of the 2014/15 budget agreement.

“The introduction of the mobile devices will ensure that officers and staff have more time to spend in their communities, offering greater visibility and enabling them to carry out their roles more effectively.

“As we face government cuts of over £160 million between 2010 and 2017, it is imperative that we continue to look towards new ways of working that ensure our neighbourhoods are safe and feel safe.”