Officers to receive computers to cut bureaucracy

Greater Manchester Police is being given a share of £25 million funding to reduce police bureaucracy.

The cash injection of £815,000 will allow the force to supply 1,500 officers with handheld computers, which boost the amount of time officers spend on the streets.

The devices will allow officers to carry out quick checks on the Police National Computer without going back to the police station and speed up stop and search procedures.

Officers will also be able to issue on-the-spot fixed penalty notices for disorder and the satellite navigation systems will allow officers to find their way to places more quickly on the beat.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: "Ask any police officer why they joined the force and they will tell you what they are passionate about is catching criminals and not being tied to a desk.

"This funding from the National Police Improvement Agency will allow us to equip officers with useful tools which will mean them spending less time at the station and more time with the public.

"The computers will give them more flexibility in their work and provide reassurance to communities as they will be more visible on the streets, carrying out the neighbourhood policing that is so important."

The scheme will be rolled out over the coming year.