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Mobile data pilot helps force plan own strategy
Ian Steel, project manager, mobile information at Avon and Somerset Constabulary and Peter Harris, mobile data product manager, Arquiva speak exclusively to the BAPCO Journal about how the force is developing its own mobile data strategy and set of requirements...
Avon and Somerset Constabulary was formed in April 1974 through the amalgamation of the former Bristol Constabulary, Somerset and Bath Constabulary and the Staple Hill division of Gloucestershire Constabulary.
One of the largest forces in England and Wales, Avon and Somerset polices a population of almost 1.5 million people and 1,855 square miles that take in virtually every kind of landscape: city centres, wild moors, dense forests, busy holiday resorts and vast commercial and industrial complexes.
Continually assessing how it can improve the services it provides the force began a live trial of Mobile Data in connection with Arquiva in December 2006. The trial, which currently encompasses 14 Microbus MDTs in patrol cars has been based on Avon & Somerset developing its own strategy and set of requirements.
the trial
Utilising Airwave as the primary bearer, the mobile data trial has been designed to seamlessley switch to GPRS if and when required. Ian Steel, Avon and Somerset Constabulary pointed out that prior to the trial commencing, 70 officers (mainly frontline) were trained in the use of MDTs on desktop computers. Such as PNC checks, mapping etc. “We worked with Arquiva on the training prior to commencing the trial as we felt this was integral to the success of the project.”
The trial will initially run for three months utilising vehicle MDTs, however, the force does plan to add PDAs and is currently developing software in conjunction with Arquiva that will look and feel the same as the MDTs.
“We hope to add this element later this month (February), and further applications such as the ability to send briefing documents to officers.”
Steel was quick to point out however, that there has been a tendency with mobile data trials to over complicate passwords, and since the patrol cars are shared, the password access has been simplified. “We are encouraging feedback from our officers since sharing of MDTs is a pre-requisite when sharing cars.”
an initial reaction
“Without doubt, the trial so far has whetted the appetites of our officers and although Airwave is a voice based network the data transfer rates, so far have held up well. In fact, many of our officers perceived this to be an issue prior to using the system, but the trial is allowing us to realise how we can maximise the use of data rates.”
“Whilst it is also too early to quantify the officer feedback, to date it has been very positive and many have felt the use of mobile data in force was long overdue, we have recognised the value of our officer input and we are keen to maintain this,” Steel added.
Avon and Somerset also closely observed the Lothian & Borders, and West Yorkshire Police trials, and whilst the force has yet to see the business analysis of deployments, it is also paying close attention to the PITO trial to ensure that it gains the maximum benefits from them.
a joined up approach
Peter Harris, product manager, Arquiva, explained that the force also uses other products such as its suite of intelligence and crime applications. And, whilst it is too early to view on mobile data, plans are afoot for the force to be able to access these later in the year. Arquiva is also looking at joining up the systems so that Avon and Somerset can share information across crime and intelligence systems not just force wide but with other services too.
Concluding Steel said, “Our officers can see the commitment we are making to this type of development and technology to help improve the efficiency of our service. Although it is too early to say where the benefits really lay, the feedback to date is extremely positive.
“In addition to which, developing the applications together with Arquiva, without having a pre-determined set of expectations is working very well and we are very pleased with the relationship we have with Arquiva.”
