Mobile Data Technology Set to Revolutionise Policing in Cleveland
Friday, 14 November, 2008
A ground breaking device that is set to transform policing in Cleveland has been shown to the Home Secretary.
Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, Sean Price and Chair of Cleveland Police Authority, Councillor Dave McLuckie and IT services company Steria visited the Home Office today to give Jacqui Smith a demonstration of the Force’s new mobile data device.
A massive £7.9 million has been invested in the project by Cleveland Police Authority, which will see officers spending much more time on the frontline, serving their communities.
The devices, which really are at the cutting edge of new technology, will see Cleveland Police become:
• The first Force in the region to roll out mobile data
• The first Force to have full mobile data crime reporting facilities
• The first Force to have fingerprint access to mobile data, enabling officers to access their device without typing in passwords
• The first Force to have long term financial investment from its Police Authority over the next ten years
The project, which is known as CUPID (Cleveland Universal Police Information Device), will allow frontline officers access to local intelligence systems and the Police National Computer so that vehicles and people can be identified whilst out on the street.
Officers will also be able to fill in and submit forms electronically rather than having to go back to the police station. They will also be able to keep victims of crime fully informed of the progress of the investigation at the touch of a button.
The project will be piloted at Hartlepool and then the devices will be rolled out to the rest of the Force next year.
Although mobile data is in use in other Forces, Cleveland is unique in that a wide range of functionality will be available to all frontline officers.
Chief Constable of Cleveland Police Sean Price said: “I’m delighted that Cleveland is at the forefront of such modern technology that will really help revolutionise the way in which we deliver services.
“Through Putting People First we know that members of the public want to see more officers out on the beat. These devices will reduce paperwork, which means that my officers will be able to spend many more hours out in their communities, giving people the service they need and deserve.
“By providing information at the point of need, and enabling officers to complete work electronically, we are also reducing bureaucracy.
“The state of the art technology means that officers will also be able log on using their fingerprints, which means the system will be both secure and easy to use.
“I am convinced that the public will soon see the benefits from the increased visibility of officers.”
Said Police Authority Chair Councillor Dave McLuckie “We know that the first priority for the public is to see police officers spending as much time as possible out on the front line—and we all understand that the key to making that happen is reducing the time they have to spend on administrative work.
“As an authority and a force, we have been committed to modernising every aspect of our work, including using the Private Finance Initiative to provide some of the best buildings and facilities in the country, rolling out Neighbourhood Policing across the whole area—and now giving our officers the technology which will enable them to greatly reduce the time they have to spend on paperwork at the same as providing much greater access to information and intelligence systems...and a better service to victims of crime.
“The CUPID project has been delivered through a partnership involving the Authority, the Force and our partners Steria—and I believe its importance to the development of mobile information services for policing across the country has been underlined by the Home Secretary’s interest.
“From the Authority’s point of view what is really important is that our investment in CUPID makes a real difference to the communities we serve. I am absolutely convinced that will happen and that the new technology we are introducing here in Cleveland will point the way forward for policing across the country.”
"Mobile working will be a significant factor in changing the way policing is carried out in the future”, said Paul Sellick, Director of Public Authorities Group at Steria. “We are excited to be helping Cleveland Police ensure the provision of a more efficient and effective force for the citizens of Cleveland.”
