High-tech device may aid crackdown on crime, says Robinson
East Antrim MLA Ken Robinson has called upon the PSNI to follow the example of Bedfordshire Police who are involved in a pilot scheme designed to use specially adapted hi-tech Canadian-made BlackBerry 8700 devices as part of a crack down on crime.
Mr Robinson explained, “Bedfordshire is one of six pilot schemes currently assessing the system. This approach is designed to eliminate that area referred to as “dead time” that is when an officer on patrol is required to complete paperwork on his return to the station.
“Officers using the system can, as a result of this BlackBerry 8700 device, remain on the streets where the public increasingly want them to be seen. It also enables the policeman, while still on his beat, to quickly check crucial details such as car ownership, previous convictions and photographs of missing or wanted persons. Initial responses from the police are positive with delays in sourcing vital centrally held information being dramatically reduced. This increases the time made available for a high visibility presence on the streets especially in crime hotspots.”
Mr Robinson added, “The public in Northern Ireland are seeking a “zero tolerance” approach towards crime and thuggery and are demanding a more visible and active police presence on our streets. This technology, if these pilot schemes are evaluated as successful, would appear to hand another valuable and vital tool to the front line officers on the beat as they battle to deliver the service levels that the public is expecting.”