Thirty or forty years ago in America, journalists, interested citizens and yes, criminals, all listened to the police radio broadcasts to find out what was going on. They would often beat the police to the scene of a crime or accident.

Via Kable we learn that “A pilot scheme will test whether mobile technology can make Nottinghamshire police more efficient. Nottinghamshire Police is to pilot mobile technology which aims to provide officers on the beat with up to date information and reduce the time spent on paper work. The solution has been developed by mobile data specialist Beat Systems and will provide officers with real time access to multiple operational systems. ”

“Police officers in Nottinghamshire can currently spend as much as half of their time at the station on paper work, but the new technology aims cut administration. The company said the solution fully integrates with national systems, such as the Police National Computer, as well as Nottinghamshire’s internal intelligence systems and email.”

Not a word about information security. Not a word about information assurance. Hope someone gives Beat Systems a call to check on this: http://www.beatsystems.com/. Telephone: 0141 946 5800 Email: info@beatsystems.com.

Their website says they are compliant with Home Office and CESG standards. They have the British Transport Police as a client already. Maybe there’s nothing to worry about. I hope so. Still…