Essex officers to get 2,000 new smartphones

ESSEX Police is to spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on smartphones for officers so they can stay on the beat longer.

A total of 2,000 smartphones will be handed to police officers across the county so that they can carry out more patrols.

Roger Hirst, Essex’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said having the technology would mean officers could handle paperwork out and about, instead of driving back to a police station to do it.

He told residents and councillors at a meeting in Basildon this month: “I think there is a lot we can do to help with more local, visible and accessible policing.

“I have identified where we can use technology better.

“I have already ordered 2,000 new smartphones so officers can do their work remotely so they don’t have to go back to the station to fill out paperwork.

“They can do it in places like Costa Coffee or Greggs so they remain in the community and can be quickly and easily deployed back out on patrol.

“I have also invested quite heavily in making their work easier when doing paperwork.”

The initiative is part of a new police and crime plan, developed by the commissioner, which aims to make officers more accessible to the public, crack down on anti-social behaviour, tackle gangs and reverse the trend in serious violence, the Thurrock Gazette reported.

Mr Hirst added: “In other forces where they have done it, for example in Humberside, there has been 20% more time on patrol, which is very encouraging and is something we want in our force too.”