Officers issued with mobile devices as GMP transforms policing

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers are to be issued with mobile devices as part of a major transformation of the force’s IT capabilities.

It follows the announcement that more than 3,000 officers and staff will be provided with body-worn video cameras, designed to increase protection for the public and police officers and reduce complaints.

The changes are designed to “meet the needs of a 21st century police service” and improve the service to the public.

GMP Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “I have been clear that making the best use of technology, both for officers and the public, is essential to the future of policing in Greater Manchester. It provides opportunities to manage the demands we face and also give people access to services in a different way.

“This is a significant step and will allow officers to input crime details, take missing person reports and access other key systems. The move will mean that police officers will be able to write up reports and access information while out and about, without having to return to police stations.”

Mobile devices have already been trialled in Rochdale and they are expected to be rolled out across Greater Manchester from March.

Officers will be able to use them for a number of functions, such as accessing the Police National Computer, inputting and searching for crimes and incidents, and creating and updating missing person reports.

Greater Manchester’s mayor and police and crime commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “Modern policing demands that we take full advantage of modern technology.

Smartphones and tablets are now part of our everyday lives, so it makes sense to see how these devices can improve how we deliver policing in Greater Manchester.

“Police officers should not be stuck in police buildings behind a computer, they should be out in the community, keeping people safe. Mobile technology will allow them to do that so they can work from anywhere in Greater Manchester – saving officer time and, crucially, providing a better service to local people.”