Force rolls out more hi-tech pads

Police in Middlesbrough have begun patrolling the streets with digital pads in place of paper notebooks.

The "mobile data devices", which allow officers to fill in and submit reports on the beat, are being issued after a successful trial in Hartlepool.

Vehicles and suspects can also be identified using the devices, which are linked to the Police National Computer.

The £7.9m Cupid scheme is funded by Cleveland Police Authority for the next 10 years.

Chief Constable Sean Price, of Cleveland Police, said: "Analysis done at Hartlepool shows that these devices are allowing officers to spend 20% more time out on the streets.

"Other benefits include reduced paperwork and bureaucracy for officers and staff, and we are also seeing an increase in intelligence reports that are being submitted electronically.

"This helps us build up a picture of what is happening in a particular ward area, so that we can target our resources more effectively."