Airwave to help stop & search verification

20 February 2008, 9:39am

Airwave launches mobile data applications to speed up stop & search and identity verification

Mobile Stop & Search ensures faster completion of encounter forms, reduction of data re-entry
Mobile Validate enables speedy access to PNC while on the beat

Airwave, Britain’s public safety radio communications provider, has today announced the launch of two new mobile data products: Mobile Stop & Search and Mobile Validate, designed to enable efficiencies in the way police carry out stop & search and identity verification procedures.

Airwave Mobile Stop & Search allows officers to use PDA (personal digital assistant) and MDT (mobile data terminal) devices to complete stop and search forms electronically. Currently stop and search forms are filled in on paper at the scene, and then re-entered into the forces’ IT systems when the officer returns to the station. Mobile Stop & Search from Airwave enables officers to complete these forms remotely – removing the need for time-consuming data re-entry. The mobile-based forms have been designed to facilitate faster information capture by pre-populating much of the required information with prior PNC (police national computer) and voters checks – reducing the time needed to conduct each stop and search.

Name, position at Airwave, commented: “There are two main problems with stop and search as it currently stands: it takes too long to complete the forms and requires data re-entry at the station, allowing mistakes to creep in through human error. Airwave’s Mobile Stop & Search solves both these problem by reducing the time it takes to complete the forms, and ending the need to re-enter data.” Additionally, Mobile Stop & Search will improve the service to the public by reducing the amount of time needed for each search procedure.

Part of Airwave’s mobile data suite, the Mobile Stop & Search application supports mobile printing connections to facilitate form and receipt printing where necessary. The data can be carried on Airwave’s world-leading TETRA network and can also be supported on GPRS where needed.

Name, continued: “Airwave already has a great reputation through its radio network which offers Britain’s emergency services robust, secure and interoperable communications. Our mobile data product suit has been designed to conform to the same high standards while meeting the very real needs of officers on the beat today and improving public experience.”

In addition, Airwave has launched its Mobile Validate solution for PDAs and MDTs in response to the need to combat the use of false identities by individuals being stopped and questioned. Airwave’s Mobile Validate allows officers mobile access to PNC, SCRO (Scottish Criminal Records Office), electoral role, post office and other databases in order to efficiently and effectively confirm the identity of an interviewee. This solution speeds up the identity verification process and increases the chance of accurately identifying a suspect. The safety of police officers is also enhanced as dangerous suspects can be identified in a much shorter timeframe.

Name, position at Airwave, said: “Identity verification is a very important part of a policeman’s job, but one which can be time consuming and inefficient. Mobile Validate allows the police to check identities via mobile data, freeing up radio frequencies and control room resources for priority communications. Along with Mobile Stop & Search, Mobile Validate highlights the strength of Airwave’s mobile data offering. As police forces across the country look to deploy such services, our message to them is simple: there is no need to wait to deploy a mobile data solution; we have the network and applications in place for officers to start benefiting from mobility today.”

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