Computing power is in police’s hands

Officers around the county are now using netbooks, mobile fingerprint devices and computers that give officers on patrol access to national databases.

The techology has already helped solve crimes and protect people.

In pilots in 2009 and 2010 two suspected shoplifters were identified after an officer cross-checked cctv images against police records, a driver suspected of stealing fuel and possible firearms offences was found to be wanted for similar crimes in Yorkshire and an officer identified a vulnerable missing person after their picture was sent to his mobile phone.

Supt Adrian McGee says the devices mean officers can spend more time on the beat, less on paperwork and make quick but informed decisions.

He said: “Put simply we will be able to access force-wide and national information at the touch of a button.

“Offender identities, and fingerprints can be checked without having to return to the police station. Officers can access images of individuals wanted on suspicion of committing crime and they will also use the devices to help locate addresses where police assistance is required.”

Mobile computers in cars have enabled police to stop and check more than 300 vehicles in one operation and carry out 2,576 national computer checks on vehicles.

Information gathered is automatically transmitted back to police stations and does not need to be entered again.

Most of the funding for the technology has come from the National Policing Improvement Agency.

Supt McGee added: “We are one of the first forces in the region to use such a high level of technology away from police bases.

“We’ve spent many months considering which systems were the most suitable for policing in Warwickshire and the most economic, while measuring these against operational need and security of the systems.”