South Australian police to trial iPads
State Premier Jay Weatherill has announced that South Australian Police are to trial the use of iPads as part of their policing.
Tasmanian police use Acer tablets
Earlier this year New South Wales police began rolling out iPads to assist in deploying traffic tickets.
Weatherill announced the step live on air on 891 Adelaide’s Mornings programme via telephone discussion with host Ian Henschke.
He said that police would not be permitted to sue the tablets for social activities. He said it was intended that the devices be used to facilitate data entry and administration whilst on the streets.
A total of 350 iPads will be trialled in a programme set to cost $1.7 million dollar program, rolling out next year.
“We welcome this 12-month trial of tablets by operational police in the Elizabeth Local Service Area,” said Deputy Commissioner Grant Stevens.
“We are pleased that the government has responded in this positive fashion to SAPOL’s proposal for a trial of this technology.
“These tablets will allow police to enter data into SAPOL’s computer systems without having to return to a desktop computer in the police station – thus saving time and increasing the capabilities of patrols.
“Based on the experiences of police in other jurisdiction, such as New Zealand, we expect this trial will have positive outcomes for the community.
“This reduces travel time, allows other officers access to information more rapidly and overall increases the frontline capabilities of officers.”
In a statement, South Australian police said it is not yet known what brand of tablets will be used, but noted that Tasmanian police are using Acer Iconia W511 tablets, while officers in New Zealand are using Apple iPads.
“We will look at the options to ensure we utilise the technology that best meets our requirements,” Deputy Commissioner Stevens said.