Action Plan The Way Forward

Connected officers using smart
mobile technology
How it works now
Police cars with mobile computer workstations allow
officers to write and file reports, complete other
paperwork, and access databases. Cars are also physical
barriers that create a sense of isolation from residents.
Officers patrolling on foot and bikes, or once they step
away from their cars, are limited to communicating and
receiving information through their radios. They are
increasingly using personal cell phones to assist with
their duties, even though this poses personal risks and
security challenges.
Officers take notes in traditional paper memo books as
they have since professional municipal police services
were first established in the mid-19th century. Past
memo books are stored and have to be physically
retrieved and reviewed manually if the information
they contain is required for any purpose.
Officers often spend time travelling back to one of
the divisional police stations across the city to log into
desktop computers to write and file reports and other
necessary documentation, as well as to return phone
calls and respond to emails. While they are at the police
station, officers are away from their neighbourhoods
and patrols.
How it will work
mobile devices to access information and analysis that
will give them a richer understanding of the city and
specific neighbourhoods. This will include economic,
social, demographic and behavioral data, as well as
other information such as crime statistics.
The mobile device will include all the software that officers
need to be effective, including a searchable eNotebook.
This will fundamentally change how the Service
can store, collect, retrieve and analyze logged information.
Paper memo books will be a thing of the past.
Connected officers may also be able to take some types
of official photographs with their new mobile devices
in situations where an immediate photograph may be
required. If and when effective and reliable voice-totext
functionality becomes available, it will become
more efficient for officers to dictate their notes.
Outcomes
• Officers able to provide better service because of
greater access to data, information and software.
• Officers with a better understanding of the neighbourhoods
they serve and are more connected and
accessible to those neighbourhoods.
• Information available to neighbourhood officers
that enables them to act more independently and to
make better, more timely decisions.
• Improved ability to access officer notes.
Within two to three years, neighbourhood officers will
have smart mobile devices that give them access to the
data, information and software they need, always and
anywhere. The connected officer will not need to use
personal devices for police business.
Regardless of their location, connected officers will be
accessible to residents – to receive and respond to calls,
emails, text messages, and other forms of electronic
communication.
Connected officers will be able to prepare and file
reports and other documentation from anywhere,
rather than being limited to mobile workstations in
cars or having to return to police stations to work at
desktop computers.
Because of the Service’s investment in data analytics
and modeling, all officers will be able to use their new
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