Thames Valley Police get BlackBerrys

The BlackBerrys will be able to access the Police National Computer

Thames Valley Police is to equip 1,100 officers and community support officers with BlackBerry smartphones in a bid to improve efficiency.

The rollout forms part of a £50m Home Office and National Policing Improvement Agency programme announced last week.

A similar pilot scheme was initiated by Bedfordshire Police in August 2007.

The BlackBerrys will be able to access the Police National Computer, allowing officers to look up names of suspects and conduct vehicle checks while out and about.

"Being able to access police computer systems means less time spent travelling between stations," said Keith Gough, mobile information project manager at Thames Valley Police.

"Officers no longer need to go back to the station every time they need to access information from a computer, or pick up briefing information for a shift.

"Officers will also be better informed with up-to-the-minute information which will significantly improve their service to local communities."

Those issued with the mobiles will be able to access video witness and custody photographs, access the missing persons database, view the duty management system and interface with warrants, court orders and bail databases.

"We are very proud to be working with Thames Valley Police on this rollout," said Graham Baker, strategic account manager at BlackBerry maker Research in Motion.

"At present over 50 per cent of UK police forces have adopted the BlackBerry solution and we are continuing to work with others to demonstrate the great benefits that BlackBerry smartphones can offer."