New round of funding for the NPIA to purchase more mobile computers - Bapco Journal

New round of funding for the NPIA to purchase more mobile computers

Published: 

29 July, 2008

The National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) will use their £25 million funding from the government to purchase a further 15,000 handheld computers to help give police officers the best possible information while on duty. From this investment, the total number of handheld computers will reach 30,000 by March 2010.

This area is being targeted for funding by the government in conjunction with a Green Paper that aims to highlight the need to reduce bureaucracy and help police officers spend more time with the public. Chief Information Officer at the NPIA Richard Earland said, ‘We welcome the recommendations in the Green Paper concerning the additional funding and the commitment to increase the time officers spend on patrol. When used appropriately handheld computers keep officers out in the community and make them visible to the public.'

This is the second round of investment into mobile devices since May 2008 when the Home Office granted £50 million for the purchase of 10,000 handheld computers that are to be operational by September 2008. Deputy Chief Constable of Hampshire, Ian Readhead and the ACPO lead for the Mobile Information Programme added, ‘Mobile computers are critical to a modern police officer. Having information in the right place at the right time, which is up to date and accurate, is vital to help officers with their work with the public’.

By Luke Marjason

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