Police trial BlackBerry crimefighting aid

POLICE in Rotherham have this week kicked-off a series of roadshows aimed at sharing new technology with the public.

From November, 600 police officers in the town will be given a hand-held BlackBerry devices, which will allow them to access police records on the beat.

The pilot scheme is aimed and slashing the time bobbies spend in the office filling out paperwork and increasing their presence in the community.

Rotherham has been selected as the first district in South Yorkshire to use this new technology.

The new devices will be on display at three roadshows, starting tomorrow (October 7), at the Unity Centre, on St Leonards Road from 12 noon until 7pm, when the Mayor and Mayoress of Rotherham, Cllr Shaukat Ali and Miss Wajida Naseeem, will be special guests.

The second roadshow will take place on October 13, at Dinnington Resource Centre, Laughton Road, between 12 noon and 7pm.

The third roadshow will be held on October 21, at Silverwood Miners Welfare Resource Centre, Doncaster Road, Dalton, between 12 noon and 7pm.