Police are equipping frontline officers with 21st Century technology to enable them to work more efficiently.

Over the next three months, 1,500 uniformed officers across Norfolk and Suffolk will be issued with a Samsung tablet and Nokia phone, a step which will revolutionise the way they deal with incidents and the service they provide to the public.

The tablets will enable officers to work remotely, update crime systems, review incidents, update victims and liaise with partner agencies on-the-go. Tasks that would normally require them to return to the station to access a computer can now be done immediately, allowing resources to remain deployable and visible to the public. Thanks to newly developed applications, officers will also be able to take statements and submit other forms via the devices, a move that will help reduce the amount of paperwork required at the end of each shift.

The rollout will be delivered alongside the distribution of body-worn video cameras which started in May this year.

Norfolk and Suffolk constabularies have budgeted £1.2m to equip the officers with the devices but it is expected that the efficiencies brought by their deployment will save money in the long-term.

Project lead Chief Supt Mike Fawcett said: 'Following a three month trial last year, it was clear that the devices offered officers what they needed – quick access to accurate information without the need to travel back to the station.

'We will continue to take advantage of new technologies to aid crime investigation and I'm sure the people of Norfolk/Suffolk will notice a benefit as our officers embrace the new ways of working.

'This is very much an 'invest-to-save' project – and I expect that the resource commitment we have made will bring us cost benefits in the long-term.'

Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: 'Anything that makes life on the streets more efficient for our police officers has my full support. This is an excellent example of joint investment between Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies and there is no doubt that this improved access to information will help transform operational policing in the county.'