Perth, Western Australia June 3, 2006 Home News Time Out Letters Classifieds Search Real Estate Trades & Services Submit About Contact Us Advertising Legal	Police roll out GPS to fight crime Catching crooks is going high-tech, with GPS technology being trialled in police cars. The system, called automatic vehicle locators (AVL), will allow central officers to take calls about burglaries, see which are the closest police cars and send them to the area from different directions in a bid to block off offenders. The roll-out of AVLs to western suburbs police is planned for next year. The trials are being held in Midland, with "impressive" results as well as odd hiccups. Although GPS has been criticised as a form of "big brother", Police Union president Mike Dean said the technology would increase safety for police. "No one likes to have someone looking over their shoulder, but from a safety aspect they are a good idea," Mr Dean said. Cars will be updated with digital radio networks, which will render police scanners, which can be used to dodge police, useless. Mobile data services will allow police to use in-car computers to enquire about names, vehicles and licences. Fred Gere, Acting Superintendent for western suburbs, said the system would mean police could sign-off on jobs from their cars without wasting hours having to return to stations to use a desk computer. Police stations will be used less, which is why the car and communications systems have been given priority in the Frontline First strategy, above new "super" stations. Acting Supt Gere said: "It's about maximising service delivery to the community. "Driving past and seeing the word 'Police' isn't what it's about. (Having) policemen behind the desk isn't going to reduce crime - marked cars and officers in uniforms is what it's about." He said the days of "silo" police stations dotted around suburbs were over. Fewer stations meant fewer resources needed for stations and more police on streets. In about three months, Wembley police station will be stripped down to one desk officer plus detectives, with the building possibly used to house specialised police units. The Wembley officers will be moved to Leederville station but will still cover the same area. The only station likely to be revamped is the Perth station, which needs a new watch-house combined with facilities for police and detectives. Acting Supt Gere said the Vincent super station in Leederville was only a proposal and a Claremont station in the draft plan for the football precinct was only at the sketch stage. -Aja Styles BACK TO TOP < PREVIOUS - HOME - NEXT> Copyright © 1999 - 2006 Post Newspapers Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.