Mobile data users realise benefits

12 Dec

Varied markets around the globe are realising the business benefits of mobile data. In particular, police forces across the UK have adopted this technology in recent years, and one force in particular has been at the forefront of this embrace of technology: Lancashire Police.

With an operational fleet of some 500 vehicles covering 256 miles of motorway, large rural areas and major towns, the implementation of mobile data has led to some important operational benefits. In particular is the use of ANPR which cross-checks results from number plate matches with the DVLA computer database, revealing information on car tax evaders. Officers can access the Police National Computer (PNC) as well as national and local databases whilst on the move. This has provided great leaps in efficiency, allowing officers to retrieve information quickly and easily while on patrol rather than spending valuable time returning to the office. This in turn is allowing them more time on patrol and thereby giving them a greater visibility to the public - a key driver to the feeling of public safety.

Trials of the technology which included some 200 Microbus vehicle-first computers began in earnest in 2003 and gained external recognition as a ground-breaking innovation resulting in awards from the Guardian in 2006 and the European Public Sector Award in 2007, beating competition from 28 other countries.

Lancashire Constabulary's vehicle-based computing solution consists of Microbus M-PC2 computers with high-brightness colour touchscreens mounted in the dashboard of the vehicle. The computer's high performance Windows® platform supports a wide range of applications and, via its integral modem, allows the operator to access databases wirelessly over Airwave's TETRA network. Although the force trialled GPRS they found TETRA to offer better speed and performance, in addition to the obvious advantages over GPRS which can suffer from congestion and availability issues.

Lancashire Constabulary's Head of ICT Stuart Fillingham said: “Providing officers with access to timely, relevant information on appropriate, reliable devices is a key requirement within almost all areas of modern policing. We estimate that mobile data already contributes to efficiency savings that are starting to allow every officer to spend at least an extra hour on the beat per shift.”