Deploy mobile technology for police members

Funding of $227 million for implementation of police technology has been provided through the Victorian Government’s Public Order Response Package and the 2016/17 State Budget. Mobile devices are included in this new funding for police technology under the BlueConnect program.

The BlueConnect program is responsible for shaping the development of information requirements for operational police. BlueConnect will address immediate issues in maintaining the performance of core Victoria Police information systems and planning for long-term reforms. The aim of the program is to create a modern policing environment that gives police access to the information they need in a secure and timely manner, and to subsequently enable the deployment of mobile technology for police members.

The mobile technology to be deployed will include handheld devices to be used by frontline police, which will provide real-time information and police applications. The devices will be used to capture evidence, carry out identity checks and swiftly report crime and other events, like traffic incidents.

Victoria Police is continuing to roll out mobile devices to police, which will improve their access to information in the field. Motorola Solutions Australia is working with Victoria Police to deliver more than 10,000 devices over the next 5 years.

The first devices were issued in the second half of 2017, with 8,500 to be deployed by the end of 2019 based on operational need. More than 10,000 will ultimately be deployed over a 5-year period.

The Stage 1 rollout of the revised L17 to 3 police divisions commenced on 16 April 2019. Subject to any implementation issues identified in this stage, the L17 will be incorporated into the next Crime Recording release for the mobile devices scheduled for July 2019. Again, subject to testing and any implementation issues, Victoria Police anticipate a statewide rollout of the L17 form on mobile devices mid-2019.

Implemented.