The Western Australian Government is providing A$ 34.6 million for the roll-out of personal issue mobile smart devices to police officers
This initiative is part of the commitment of the McGowan Government to properly equipping the police with the accoutrements and tools that they need in order to do their job safely and effectively.
According to a recent press release, the funding will allow delivery of 3,500 handheld devices that are fitted with a suite of applications that will ensure access to crucial policing functions in the field.
Streamlining work
The Police Minister Michelle Roberts shared that these smart devices will streamline police work and free up officers to spend more time in the community, highlighting the importance for the police to be equipped with the latest technology.
Significantly, this technology will increase efficiency and free up officers for more time on the beat. Moreover, it will reduce the need for officers to return to the station to complete administrative tasks, allowing officers to spend more time policing the streets and the community.
The mobile devices will give police faster access to more accurate information to make decisions, resulting in improved officer safety and public safety outcomes.
Furthermore, the initiative will improve the speed at which critical information is shared between investigators.
Benefits of the tech
Officers will be able to perform tasks such as identity checks and the recording of statements whilst out in the field. It may eventually allow scanning of fingerprints.
The WA Police Commissioner shared that the officers will now be able to carry out identity checks, upload photographs, CCTV and other evidence into the police database.
These mobile devices will not only be able to upload from the community but will also be a way for the police to push out information to the community and to officers who are attending scenes or on patrol.
The information on the system will have “military grade encryption” to ensure that it was secure.
Improving the Police Force
Funding of this technology proves how the Western Australian Government is committed to guaranteeing a modern and flexible Police Force.
As reported, this initiative will bring out the state of Western Australia (WA) from the “dark ages” and into the line with every other State and Territory that has rolled out similar systems.
The rolling out of the project will be done in a phased approach starting in June and will take about two years to complete.
This smart handheld device initiation is on top of the A$ 15.4 million that is already committed towards the roll-out of personal body armour to frontline officers and the A$ 1.9 million allotted for number plate
Additionally, the State Government is investing more than A$ 5.9 billion in the WA Police Force over the next four years, as part of its commitment to community safety.