PCC Stephen Mold has welcomed the introduction of new technology to Northamptonshire Police which will enable front-line officers to do more while on the beat, enabling them to remain in communities rather than having to travel back to police stations.

Commissioner Mold has placed a strong focus on technology since taking Office in May 2016, in order to help make officers and staff more effective and efficient, freeing up valuable police time.

Picture of the Samsung Galaxy S8 phone.

The new Samsung Galaxy S8 phones will help keep police in communities in Nothants

Director for Technology and Digital Transformation within the OPCC, Simon Clifford, has subsequently worked closely with Northamptonshire Police to access a central Government fund to support innovation in policing, which will be cover around a third of the £1million cost of 1,700 new Samsung Galaxy S8 smart phones.

These new devices will allow officers to complete a host of policing tasks instantly, rather than having to return to a station and log onto a computer.

Stephen Mold, Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said:

“The purchase of these new devices marks a really significant investment in frontline policing. Using them will allow officers to work quickly and efficiently, accessing systems and providing reports while out and about instead of having to come in.

“This technology will also give them fast access to live information and intelligence and I am convinced this will mean access to swifter justice for people in Northamptonshire.”

Deputy Chief Constable for Northamptonshire Police, Rachel Swann, added:

“This is a great step forwards for us operationally. The project will provide officers and staff with vastly improved technology, enabling them to work more efficiently in protecting the public from harm.

“The Galaxy S8 is already deployed in other forces and offers a secure platform to streamline police processes and achieve improved officer productivity. Obviously we want to maximise efficiency as much as possible and will be piloting use of the phones between now and July which will include training and testing. We aim to start rollout to all operational users this summer.”

The rollout of new device will be implemented in stages to ensure as smooth a transition as possible and the Force aims for it to be completed by the end of the year.