Police bid to cut red tape

POLICE on the beat will be given hand-held computers to boost the amount of time they spend on the streets.

Greater Manchester Police will be given £815,000 for 1,500 computers as part of a £25m bid to reduce red tape.

The devices will allow officers to carry out quick checks on the police national computer without going back to the station as well as 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 — 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 system will provide reassurance to communities as officers will be more visible on the streets.”