High tech gear helps keep Lisburn police out on the beat

Every Response Officer in Lisburn has been allocated one of the terminals which will let them collect and file data without having to return to the station.

Lisburn Chief Inspector Darrin Jones said he was delighted his officers were among the first to benefit from the new equipment.

"They are cutting the cord of dependence the officers had to the station, and are maximising our police resources" he said. "The terminals will provide faster and more efficient ways officers will be able collect data and catalogue evidence for use across all police personnel in Lisburn, and Northern Ireland."

Local MLA and Policing Board Member, Mr. Basil McCrea, welcomed the project's launch. "Given that the Lisburn Police Officers are responsible for looking after such a wide area, much of their time is spent in transit," said Mr. McCrea.

"An officer can be responding to a call in Dromara and then have to make their way to a call in Dunmurry. Now, rather than having to make time to travel back to the station to fill in the necessary forms required for each call out, they will be able to complete them on their handsets and file them remotely.

"Many of the officers must also protect crime scenes once the event has been identified, they will now have access to up-to-date information regarding possible perpetrators and be able immediately log vital information for other officers who may be en route.

"We are facing financially difficult times, and the residents of Lisburn have spoken – we need to do more with less money. These handsets will ensure that police time is used appropriately, and in the most efficient way.

"I was also very interested in the security of the handsets. They are not only given passwords, but each handset will be consistently reviewed to ensure officers are using them appropriately," he added.

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