The Department of Police and Emergency Management will embrace new technology as a feature of its Support to the Frontline Strategy.

The Department is developing the Strategy, which will harness technology, access equipment and provide additional frontline support, so members can continue to deliver an effective, efficient and quality policing service to the Tasmanian community.

“Our focus is how we can best support the frontline and continue to ensure we have the right resources to back up our people as they respond to policing needs,” said Assistant Commissioner, Donna Adams.

Technology is a key feature of the strategy, including;

• WiFi at frontline stations
• Providing laptops instead of desktop computers at country stations
• a BYO device policy.

Technology will reduce paperwork and police attendance at minor crashes;

• Development of software for police and the community to report minor crashes online.
• Creation of an application to submit Infringement Notices electronically.

It’s also proposed members working in non-frontline roles will be rostered to undertake short periods of secondment to the frontline.

“It’s important that all members are operationally ready to respond in the event of a major incident.  Rotations will not only provide additional resources on the frontline, but ensure members maintain the skills and training as first-responders,” said Ms Adams.

The strategy also proposes a new approach to the police response to alarms. 

“Calls will be assessed to determine if police attendance to an alarm is warranted, so resources are not diverted from high priority calls.”   Police will always treat hold-up, medical and duress alarms as genuine until determined otherwise. 

“The process of consulting our members on the Strategy is still underway and we are encouraged by the positive feedback we have received.  It’s anticipated the strategy will be finalised in the coming weeks,” said Ms Adams.