Police Minister Rob Johnson today announced the roll-out of a new crime fighting tool that will be provided to police officers in regional Western Australia.
Officers will now be equipped with handheld mobile data devices called TADISLite, which will provide them with vital information such as name and criminal history records, addresses, offender photographs and vehicle registration details.
The new system also has the ability to send task dispatch information directly to the handheld device, allowing police to respond to incidents more quickly and effectively.
The devices have inbuilt global positioning system (GPS) that allows the officer’s location to be displayed on electronic mapping systems improving officer safety, resource management and deployment to community calls for assistance.
Mr Johnson said a total of 225 TADISLites would be given to police officers across the State, including in Kalgoorlie, Northam, Albany, Bunbury, Geraldton and Broome.
“Previously, officers received dispatch information via radio communications,” he said.
“However, this information was not as detailed or secure as the new system and they often had to call back to base for more information.
“Now WA police officers can receive task details, as well as an offender’s background, record and location history before attending an incident, meaning they will have a more intelligence-led approach to policing.
“This will also improve their safety on the job as they will be better informed of the situation they may be confronting.”
The Minister said the State Government had funded an extra 350 TADIS devices for police cars across regional WA. The roll-out of these in-vehicle kits will begin next month.
Minister's office - 9222 9211