ESSEX Police is to spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on smartphones for officers so they can stay on the beat longer.<\/p>\n
A total of 2,000 smartphones will be handed to police officers across the county so that they can carry out more patrols.<\/p>\n
Roger Hirst, Essex\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
He told residents and councillors at a meeting in Basildon this month: \u201cI think there is a lot we can do to help with more local, visible and accessible policing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have identified where we can use technology better.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have already ordered 2,000 new smartphones so officers can do their work remotely so they don\u2019t have to go back to the station to fill out paperwork.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have also invested quite heavily in making their work easier when doing paperwork.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Mr Hirst added: \u201cIn 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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