1 December 2021

Dorset Police Federation Chair shares support as Dorset Police announces roll out of a new mobile toolkit

"Any innovation that enables Police officers to reduce their bureaucratic burden is invaluable”

James Dimmack, Dorset Police Federation Chair, has shared his support as Dorset Police announces it is rolling out a new mobile toolkit that provides wireless access to policing systems to replace core paper forms and free up officer time.

As part of a wide range of mobile policing initiatives, a software application called Pronto has been introduced in the Force to enable officers to spend less time in stations and more time in the community.

James Dimmack said: “I am fully supportive of the introduction of the new mobile toolkit. Any innovation that enables Police officer’s to reduce their bureaucratic burden is invaluable. If the technology is available to do this then we must evolve and embrace this.”

On the introduction of the toolkit, Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “The introduction of Pronto to Dorset Police is a positive double whammy for my Police and Crime Plan as it hits two of my priorities in one go.

“The priorities in my Police and Crime Plan to ‘Make Every Penny Count’ and to ‘Make Policing More Visible and Connected’ will be achieved in part through introducing new technology, which will enable officers to do their jobs more efficiently, more effectively and allow them to get out onto our streets so they can spend more time catching criminals and providing protection to the people they serve.

“I am determined to do all I can to help front line staff do the job they signed up for – to be crime fighters!”

James added “I echo the comments of the PCC that the more we allow Police officers to perform their traditional core role the more beneficial it is to all of the people of Dorset. I am hopeful this technology will be beneficial and importantly reliable. We must look to innovate where appropriate to keep pace with an evolving society. This is clearly an area we must assimilate into everyday practice.”

The introduction of an Electronic Pocket Notebook ensures data is recorded accurately and shared quickly with colleagues and partner agencies. Officers can also access the Police National Computer and save crime scene photographs from wherever they are, rather than having to return to the station or use a laptop.

Dorset Police has acquired 400 biometric fingerprint readers, which allow officers to scan fingerprints from suspects at the roadside rather than having to travel to a custody suite, saving time and money through speed and accuracy by using the most up-to-date technology.

Other future developments will provide officers with full mobile access to the Force’s command and control system and the ability to remotely log crimes and incidents and complete stop and search forms, intelligence forms, missing person forms and witness statements. Officers will also be able to generate vehicle tickets through Pronto.