All NYPD officers to receive mobile devices

Over the next three years, all NYPD officers will receive a mobile device to use while on patrol.

Some 6,000 patrol cars will also be outfitted with “ruggedized tablet computers,” according to the mayor’s office.

Mayor Bill de Blasio, Police Commissioner William J. Bratton and Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. made the announcement on Thursday.

The updated mobile technology is expected to enhance patrol by giving officers quicker access to record checks, receiving information related to emergency calls and writing reports while in the field. More 911 data will be available to responders, including GPS and other mapping features. Detectives will be able to access investigative data and update case information. The new tools will also help officers better communicate, receive wanted or missing persons information and send out alerts on counterterrorism.

The project is expected to cost $160 million, funded by settlement money both the district attorney and city received earlier this year from French bank BNP Paribas.

Bratton said the new technology “will significantly help to advance the NYPD’s move into 21st century policing” in a media release.

“The timely access to critical information is key to effective policing and enhanced public safety. This initiative will clearly result in more efficient crime-fighting, counter-terrorism measures,” Bratton said.

“In an emergency, every minute counts, and this initiative will allow our officers in the field to get up-to-date, accurate information and process critical information anywhere in the city,” de Blasio said.

The mobile devices will also give law enforcement access to the Domain Awareness System, an anti-terrorism measure. In the next year, the devices might be able to scan fingerprints for identity checks. The technology is also expected to improve communications between the police department and other law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, according to the mayor’s office.