task – police officers in the field were having to come back to stations to correspond and complete paper work . More than $ 500mn has been invested over a four-year period to free up officers ’ time . These initiatives fall under what the force calls its Blue Connect programme . “ It ’ s really about enhancing the ability of officers to stay in the field , increasing visibility , and having access to real-time information for improved decision making ,” Fontana says . The investment has been channelled to fund over 9,000 mobile devices to be used across the state , such as Apple iPhones and iPads , with all the devices having been installed with applications to aid the workers in the field , such as identity checks connected to the national systems and computer-aided dispatch . “ With the iPads members can receive call-taking and dispatches in the field . It ’ s the first time we ’ ve ever had mapping capability , where members can see where units are located state wide in the maps . It ’ s fantastic for our members there ,” he continues .
The force has also invested in bodyworn cameras as part of its technology focused initiative . Victoria Police has
“ It ’ s really about enhancing the ability of officers to stay in the field , increasing visibility , and having access to real-time information for improved decision making ”
Stephen Fontana , Assistant Commissioner and Chief Information Officer , Victoria Police rolled out 4,000 body cameras across the state , with the target of reaching 6,000 by the end of the financial year and 10,800 by the end of the calendar year . “ In order to introduce the cameras – and even with the mobile technology through our life cycle management program – we ’ re working with BlueConnect to upgrade the infrastructure at our stations , making them suitable for Wi-Fi connectivity ,” Fontana remarks .
Motorola is a key partner for Victoria Police , providing mobile technology
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