Northamptonshire Police revealed today how the force has over £200,000 by fitting the in-car technology Artemis Telematics across its fleet of police cars.
The new technology captures driver and vehicle behaviour and has been in operation in the force’s vehicles for 12 months.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Adam Simmonds said the business and operational benefits have exceeded expectations and the force has saved £238,000,0 in the past year when they only expected to the save in region of £100,000. In addition, the savings will contribute over £1m towards the force’s five-year £23m savings requirement.
Mr Simmonds, said:“We’re proud to be leading the way with developing this pioneering technology. We have led on it nationally from the start and not surprisingly given the savings already generated, many forces are following suit.
“As we seek to deliver more for our communities on a reduced budget, we are continually looking to improve processes across our departments. Artemis has enabled us to do this not just across the force fleet, but the business as a whole.
“We have to find considerable savings in the policing budget in the years ahead and this technology provides a business-wide solution that is a great example of how we need to be working more effectively and efficiently.”
Head of Operation, Superintendent Sean Bell added:“As well as the financial benefits of Telematics, there are a wide range of operational benefits.
“A whole layer of bureaucracy has been removed in that officers no longer have to use a paper log whenever they use a police vehicle – they simply swipe their card.
“The public can be reassured by knowing officer’s driving is continually monitored.
“In addition, the technology allows us to see exactly where vehicles are across the county meaning we can very quickly allocate them to priority areas.”