Force to get handheld computers

Police in Sussex are to pilot hand-held computers in a bid to cut red tape and allow them more time in the community.

The force has been allocated £456,000 for the devices, which will allow them to collect evidence and complete paperwork while on patrol.

Assistant Chief Constable Robin Merrett said the technology would make police "more visible in the community".

Cash for computers was allocated to 25 forces in England, Scotland and Wales in phase two of a bid to cut red tape.

The technology can be used to receive photographs of missing and wanted people, gather photographic evidence, access databases, and complete online forms.

Mr Merrett said: "We will ensure that officers from a broad section of the force will receive the computers so that everyone benefits."

Policing Minister Vernon Coaker said the computers were "just one element of a range of improvements we are delivering to cut unnecessary bureaucracy, exploit new technologies and enable police officers to spend more time on frontline policing".