Police get handheld crime fighting systems

Published on 30 Nov 2007

Officers from the Northern Constabulary, who's beat includes some the most remote areas of Scotland, are trialling a new system that allows them to access pictures and CCTV footage while on patrol.

The information can be sent directly to their current "airwave radio handsets" but will enable them to view pictures of suspected criminals or missing persons. They will also have access to the DVLA driver database and information on criminal records.

Safety features include a tracking device to monitor the position of individual police officers and a way of remotely deactivating the handsets should they fall into the wrong hands.

Chief Constable Ian Latimer said:

"Because our geography is so big, we have always sought to maximise the use of technology. The force is proud to be leading the way through the introduction of this new technology for all our officers."