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APD launch police e-notebook at BAPCO 2007
April 25th 2007 – Mobile information specialist, APD Communications today announced the launch of APD Pronto, a product designed to remove paperwork from police processes and give officers greater access to police resources whilst out on the beat...
Developed in co-operation with police mobile data capture specialist, Kelvin Connect Limited, APD Pronto uses PDAs to capture information while on patrol, such as details of RTAs or stop and searches, and can print receipts at the scene using a small Bluetooth-connected printer. While on the beat or when officers return to base at the end of their shift, data captured is uploaded directly to the force computer systems. This allows officers to generate reports in real-time at the click of a button, avoiding the need to re-key information and saving at least an hour per shift on paperwork. This allows more time for officers to be on the beat, supporting the citizen-focused drive of ensuring high visibility policing. Clean, digital data entering the system reduces back office costs and enables a more responsive criminal justice system.
Using APD Pronto allows police officers to verify the quality of data being given by suspects without having to rely on voice communications with their control room or returning to police premises. APD Pronto’s suite of mobile data applications includes live, remote access to national and force-wide systems such as the Police National Computer (PNC) - allowing officers to check on vehicles, names, drivers' licence, drivers' insurance, MOT and VEL - and the Voters’ Register. Text messages can also be sent between officers.
David Lawford, APD Director of Public Safety UK, said, “Putting police resources at officers’ fingertips not only improves efficiency, but helps safeguard their safety by aiding more informed decision making. For instance, an officer can discretely check the previous criminal history of a suspect, without them being aware."
Meurig Sage, Managing Director, Kelvin Connect said, “We’re effectively bringing the traditional paper police notebook into the 21st Century. Police officers can record all the information they need at the scene and share it with other officers instantly and accurately. There’s no longer the situation where vital police data sits on officer’s notebooks.”
The product is the result of a partnership between APD Communications and Kelvin Connect Ltd - both businesses which have spun-out from university research departments (Hull and Glasgow respectively).
Kelvin Connect has developed its software based on years of studying internal police processes and operational working practices. Data recorded at the scene using the software is downloaded once the PDA was docked back at police headquarters. APD has enhanced the product further by allowing mobile connectivity, bringing real-time data updates and remote access to police resources.
Lothian & Borders police have deployed the Kelvin Connect software with 300 officers for the past 12 months. Initial evidence shows that officers are 35% less likely to return to a police office to complete incident related paperwork. Combined with the administrative time savings - for example, 24 minutes per vehicle accident or crime report - huge benefits have been achieved in the time operational officers are available for doing quality police work.
Inspector Norman Dixon, Lothian & Borders said, “The use of PDA e-notebooks has already proved beneficial in improving the quality of data capture, reducing the administration time in the Station for officers and increased police visibility. Giving operational police officers a PDA e-notebook with wireless capability and access to more information will help them make better informed decisions and strengthen these benefits further. The introduction of APD Pronto PDA e-notebook means that we will continue to improve our capability to provide a more efficiently and effective service, with existing police officer numbers."
