Glasgow officers to be kitted out with mobile phones

Police officers in Glasgow will soon be kitted out with new mobile phones as part of a scheme to cut down on station working.

The devices will allow officers to check police systems, file statements and keep up to date with emails while working remotely.

A Police Scotland representative told a meeting of Glasgow City Council’s Safe Glasgow Partnership how the plan would mean the public will see more officers on the city’s streets.

“It is going to save a dramatic amount of time,” he said. “Officers don’t need to go back to the police station to use their computers.”

He added the change could bring a “cultural difference” in “some ways akin to the 1950s”, with the introduction of radios and cars.

Police officers “have been tied to police stations” in recent years, he admitted. “You should see that supervising presence on the streets.”

Around 10,000 phones are being handed out to uniformed, community and specialist response officers across Scotland. It is a £21million project, which has been part funded by the Scottish Government.

The scheme has already started in other parts of the country, with devices rolled out in Dundee, Perth and Kinross in June.

Officers will receive a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 in a “military grade” OtterBox phone case. They will also be provided with a battery pack, small printer and in car charger.

The devices have access to the Police National Computer system, removing the need to use radios to check information with operators.

They will also have access to Police Scotland’s command and control system. “Officers will now be able to conduct checks immediately,” the force’s representative said.

They can type statements directly on to the device through the use of its digital notebook function Pronto which will obtain an electronic signature from victims and witnesses.

There are plans to use the phones to print and then issue fixed penalty notices.

The Glasgow partnership heard feedback from officers already using the phones, with one saying: “This is the best piece of kit I’ve been issued in my 29 years with Police Scotland.”

Another officer described it as a “massive step forward” for the force. A two-day training course will be held to teach staff how to use the new equipment.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice Humza Yousaf said: “I am pleased that the Scottish Government has been able to help Police Scotland invest in new mobile technology, which is enabling officers to work in the heart of Scotland’s communities, providing reassurance and increasing their visibility.

“This technology is enabling officers to become even more agile and responsive, ensuring the service is better-equipped to meet the modern-day demands upon it.

“Being able to access information at their fingertips will improve the ability of officers in the Highlands and Islands to react promptly to a range of issues they encounter, enhancing the amount of time available to spend in the heart of their communities and keeping people safe."