Summary
The Scottish Police Authority published a Briefing in February 2023 which explains the use of mobile devices for Police Officers, and assurances for the public. The Briefing is in 'Related Content' below.
Increased efficiency of officers
Deploying mobiles saved Police Scotland’s officers a total of 444,496 hours in the first 12 months. At the project’s end this figure had grown to 756,576 hours. Police Scotland reported that it increased functionality, giving officers the ability to conduct tasks whilst on the go.
Other key benefits
Other key benefits of mobiles were that they:
- reduced paperwork
- allowed more time on pro-active policing
- sped up access of officers to key data and information
- Improved data security
- created better officer morale and wellbeing
- enabled new working practice and collaboration.
Delivery of the change was 'exemplary'
An independent review found Police Scotland’s Mobile Working project to be ‘exemplary’, and that ‘such a situation requires a blend of best practice in the areas of management capability, quality of resources, team working and governance.’
Looking forward
Police Scotland’s ‘Digital Division’ has taken on the work of managing and developing mobile working. This transition has been supported by the creation of a multi-skilled Mobile Working Team. This team exists to ensure ongoing development and future system integration in the years ahead.
Development includes working with other business areas to ensure further mobile efficiency; for example, mobile integration with the Core Operational Solutions in national crime apps and development work, and a national mobile device refresh.
