Police chief says provision of mobile devices to officers is a 'major milestone' that is changing the force's way of working for the better
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Police Scotland says the roll-out of mobile devices has freed up more than 400,000 hours of officer time in just one year.
The devices allow officers on the beat to access a wide range of police systems, which frees them of the requirement to return to the station and log onto a computer.
Statements which traditionally would have been written into a notebook and transcribed, are now typed directly into the device.
Officers can also now carry out their own checks which could previously only be done via the area control room.
In addition, when investigating missing person enquiries, officers can now upload and share images immediately with colleagues, which is a vital tool when time is critical.
Superintendent Craig Smith said: "Mobile working is a major milestone which is positively changing the operational policing approach in Scotland.
"Our officers now have vital information at their fingertips meaning they can react quickly.
"This is revolutionising the way officers work and is helping to keep people safe."
David Crichton, vice chair of the Scottish Police Authority said: "The introduction of mobile working was much needed and has brought real benefits to the police and the public by making the service more responsive, visible and efficient.
"Communities are better served and better protected as a result.
"The Scottish Police Authority is committed to making the case for continued investment in technology to ensure that policing in Scotland keeps pace with changing needs and demands."
The £21million Mobile Working Project was part funded by the Scottish Government’s capital budget allocation and included partnership working with BT, Motorola and Samsung.
