Police officers in the Kingston Division are about to go high-tech as they trial mobile computer tablets as part of their everyday duties.

The trial will see 40 computer tablets issued to officers in the Kingston Division, which takes in the areas of Kingston, through to Huonville, Dover and Bruny Island. It’s part of the Support to the Frontline Strategy that has been endorsed by the Department of Police and Emergency Management.

“As an organisation we are continually reviewing our policies and the way we work, the Support to the Frontline Strategy builds on the recent organisational restructure that was announced late last year,” said Commissioner of Police Darren Hine.

“A big part of the Support to the Frontline Strategy is giving our frontline officers access to more contemporary systems, both in terms of technology and the movement of personnel,” he said.

As part the three-week trial, police officers in the Kingston Division will be issued with their own personal 3G tablets.

“One of the main benefits of using this more responsive technology is the amount of time it can save our officers working on the frontline,” said Mr Hine.

“For example officers using these tablets will be able to submit reports live from the field rather than having to return to the station to complete their paperwork.

“The tablets also enable them to directly access information rather than having to ring through for updates,” Mr Hine said.

If the trial is successful a graduated rollout of the computer tablets to other frontline officers will be considered.

The Support to the Frontline Strategy also includes increased WiFi availability at divisional and country police stations, a greater proportion of laptops compared to desktop computers and the introduction of a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy.

A rotation plan that seconds members who are not currently first responders through frontline positions for short periods will also be introduced.

“The development of the Support to the Frontline Strategy positions Tasmania Police to be more responsive and flexible, both in terms of technology and people, and ensures that all of our officers are operationally ready to respond to any major incident or unforseen emergencies,” said Mr Hine. The strategy also contains changes that will assist in reducing paperwork and attendance to some minor incidents. This includes the streamlining of crash reporting requirements, the introduction of electronic infringement notices and reducing attendance at non-urgent alarms.

Many of these changes will be progressed over the next 12 months.