Abstracts: May 11th, 2009

This programme is now available to view on egovtv.tv, the online television channel for public service modernisation. It describes how Thames Valley Police use Blackberry Smartphones to give community officers instant access to key information whenever and wherever they are.

The Smartphones have improved effectiveness by allowing frontline staff to resolve issues on the spot by accessing databases such as the police national computer, missing persons register and the Driving and Vehicle Licencing Agency.

Efficiency has also been improved by reducing the time previously spent in the police station and by cutting travelling time to and from the station.

GovTV is a dedicated web-cast television channel for governors of public bodies, council members and senior executives across all public sector organisations and is available free to an unlimited audience at anytime, at any location via the internet.

The programme can be viewed at GovTV. www.localgov.tv