Smartphone policing outwits road cheats

Both police officers and police community support officers are now using a new application on BlackBerry smartphones which allows them to access official records to identify a person or vehicle while out on patrol.

Unlike the previous checks, which were done by radio, the new

technology allows officers to see photographs rather than just receiving a verbal description.

Pc Sam Clifford used his BlackBerry smartphone to carry out a check on a man he pulled over. The details given by the suspect fetched up a record, although the photograph that appeared as part of the record was not of the suspect.

The driver was then challenged and he admitted giving his brother's details.

It was discovered that he was, in fact, disqualified and was subsequently arrested and charged.

Pc Clifford said: "If it wasn't for the photo, I would have probably let him go. It's a ploy used by many banned drivers, giving false details.

"But with the new BlackBerry device and having photographic evidence, it is now very difficult to get away with it."

Previously, the only way officers could carry out checks was using their Airwave radios.

Sergeant Simon Davies, the project manager at South Yorkshire Police, said "It's great news that the device is already benefiting frontline officers.

"We also plan to add forms to the BlackBerry, which will have a vast impact on the efficiency of policing.

"For example, a stop and search form, which an officer completes when a member of the public is searched, currently takes an average of five weeks to enter into the database. This will become a matter of minutes on the device."

All uniformed officers in Rotherham and Doncaster are now using the BlackBerry smartphones and it is hoped the scheme will be rolled out to remaining staff within the year.