System 'to save police millions'

A £6m new computer system designed to "revolutionise" policing in Hampshire goes live on Friday.

Hampshire Constabulary claims the new software will save up to 70,000 man-hours a year - taking officers out of the office and onto the streets.

It is also claimed that it will achieve savings of about £25m over the next five years.

Project Oberon will analyse crime patterns, monitor anti-social behaviour and speed up recording of crimes.

Ch Supt John James said: "We believe that the outcome will mean a significantly improved service to the public and the potential to free up staff time to focus on our core business - providing a service to the public, partner agencies and each other."

The system allows officers to record and search within a single database for information against any name, address, vehicle, event or object known to police.