The new funding will allow for a further 15,000 handheld computers to be used by police by March 2010. This will take the total up to around 30,000 devices. The allocation comes in conjunction with the publication of the government Green Paper which highlights the need to further reduce bureaucracy and paperwork for police officers and further enhance the service delivered to the public. The Green Paper picks up a number of themes also highlighted in the Flanagan Review of Policing. 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 times officers spend on patrol. When used appropriately hand-held computers keep officers out in the community and make them visible to the public. With mobile devices they find it easier to access information at the point of need, leading to greater efficiency and reassurance for the public. Deputy Chief Constable of Hampshire, Ian Readhead and the ACPO lead for the Mobile Information Programme said, "Mobile computers are absolutely 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." Today's announcement also forms part of the broader programme of work that the NPIA is involved in to bring together police IT which will better support the development and use of information systems in policing and improvements in service for frontline officers and citizens. The second round of investment follows a previous Home Office grant of £50 million allocated in May 2008 to deliver mobile information. The Prime Minister has made a commitment that there will be 10,000 handheld computers in use by September 2008. This new funding will develop mobile information into the medium term - as a result of the two phases of central investment. - ENDS The organisation's creation in April 2007 streamlined and simplified the way that policing improvement is delivered locally and nationally. NPIA works for the police service and is governed by a tripartite board comprising ACPO, APA, Home Office and independent members. The ACPO President is a member of the NPIA Board. About Mobile Information Forces were asked to apply for a portion of the £50 million, detailing how they would deliver mobile devices to their area. The announcement on 26 May 2008 allocated the £50 million phase 1 funding to successful applicant forces. The NPIA assessed the applications and presented the findings to the Mobile Information Programme Board who made the final decision. Policing Minister, Tony McNulty noted the recommended approach presented by the programme board to deliver the Prime Minister's pledge by September 2008. The board's membership is drawn from ACPO, ACPOS, APA, Home Office, NPIA and the Police Federation. Some of the themes highlighted in Sir Ronnie Flanagan's review, include:
Notes to editors:
About NPIA
NPIA is a single national organisation created to support effective policing. It provides expertise in areas as diverse as information and communications technology, support to information and intelligence sharing, core police processes, managing change and recruiting, developing and deploying people.
The Prime Minister announced in September 2007 that 10,000 handheld computers would be operational within 12 months. The Home Office responded by providing £50 million capital investment for the NPIA to support police service in delivering this pledge.
