The Scottish Police Authority has awarded mobile operator EE, part of BT Group, with a £21m three-year contract to supply mobile services to Police Scotland.
Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: “This contract signifies the commitment Police Scotland and the SPA have in leading the force into a more digitally focussed future.
“The use of mobile devices will revolutionise the way officers and staff access systems, currently only available from desktop and laptop computers within police stations, enabling them to work on crime prevention and community-based policing to keep people safe, whether in the public, private or virtual space.”
EE will be the mobile network supplier, and main contractor, with devices supplied by Samsung. Motorola will supply its Pronto Digital Notebook software and Blackberry its Mobile Device Management solution. Operational use is expected to begin nest year.
Officers and staff who receive a device will no longer have to rely on multiple sources for information and will have the ability to record information in a secure digital format.
David Wallace, BT Enterprise’s public sector director in Scotland and chair of the BT Scotland board, said: “BT’s Enterprise business is pleased to be leading the delivery of this transformational project which will use the latest technology to support policing in Scotland.
“Delivered via our EE mobile network – the biggest 4G network in the UK – today’s deal will enable thousands of police officers across Scotland to access the information they need, at the touch of a button.
“Our high-speed 4G network and cloud technology will free up police officers’ time so they can focus on policing in communities. We’re excited to be at the forefront of creating new possibilities through this partnership.”