POLICE in Avon and Somerset are getting a new high tech service to help them access vital information while out on patrol.

Officers are being provided with secure access to records and information over the web or on mobile communication devices, enabling them to retrieve data while out in the field.

The new system is being introduced as a part of an extended partnership between the force and IT firm Northgate Information Solutions, aimed at providing key information to officers when and where they need it most.

The firm signed a £500,000 four year contract with the force last October and is now working to further improve its Guardian Records Management System, helping officers to act more quickly and efficiently thanks to the ability to input, store and access records.

Previously officers in the field had to log on to separate systems to access information such as whether a suspect was known to police, a last known address and criminal records data.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Mortimore said: "Our officers can quickly see intelligence and crime records held across the force's systems, which means proactive policing and a faster response.

"We are committed to using this information more effectively to inform operations and meet our day to day and strategic priorities.

"We are delighted to be working with Northgate to open up access to information that really makes a difference for officers in the field, and ultimately for the neighbourhoods they serve."