Have you seen officers about in town? Wrexham police using tech to help them spend more time in the community

Police officers in Wrexham have been taking part in a pilot exercise designed to allow them to spend more time outside of their station and increase public visibility.

By using mobile devices such as tablets and laptops, officers can now complete administration tasks in public places, without the need to return to update force systems.

Chief Inspector Mark Williams said Wrexham officers are now out of the station for 71 per cent of their working day – with the time spent outside increasing by 25 per cent in January alone.

This initiative has meant the use of stop and search in Wrexham has increased by 150 per cent in the last two months.

Chief Inspector Williams added: “Officers are working on their laptops in public places and the public might have seen them – the laptops have stickers on the lids saying ‘I am working, come and talk to me’ which is encouraging engagement too.”

Chief Constable Carl Foulkes has improved digital connectivity at the heart of his vision for the force, and is committed to ensuring that officers have the right equipment to be able to work securely wherever they are.

He said: “This is a great initiative which is keeping frontline officers exactly where they need to be, on the front line. I want to make it as easy as possible for people to contact officers and for local officers to be visible in the community.

“This solution means that officers spend more time in the community and that they stay connected no matter where they are.

The intention is that after a successful trial period, this new policing model will be rolled out across the rest of the force area.

Chief Constable Foulkes added: “Visible policing is important for public reassurance and effective community engagement.

“Being able to engage with local people on the street, in shops and cafes can only improve our relationship with the public.”