MORE than 700 frontline officers have now been given smart phones, which police chiefs say will make them more efficient and allow them to stay out on the beat for longer.

Earlier this year it was revealed that more than 2,000 Samsung Galaxy Note 4 devices were being given to officers around Lancashire’s three divisions as part of a £10.1 million overhaul of IT infrastructure.

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The first phase of that project is now complete. The full roll-out, which will see 800 devices given out to officers in East Division, will be complete by January.

Lancashire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Mark Bates said: “This is one of the biggest changes to the Constabulary in years and demonstrates our commitment to make use of modern enterprise technology to ensure that officers and staff have more time to spend in their communities.

“Officers will be able to offer greater visibility and ultimately a better service to victims of crime, particularly as they will now able to contact their officer direct via email, text or mobile. These smartphones are not just another piece of kit; rather they will enable officers to work differently and ultimately more efficiently.

“We are always looking for ways to work smarter and create efficiency.”