Police in Bradford will be able to deal with incidents a lot quicker when they are on the road, thanks to a new high-tech computer system that lets them access vital police systems from their vehicles.

More than 100 Lenovo ThinkPad Twist laptops are being fitted to police cars in the district, and 600 across the county.

Officers can now use the same applications as the ones they have on desktop computers in stations and offices. Previously they had to travel back to base to use them, using up hours of valuable time.

The new touch-screen computers allow statements and reports to be completed at the scene. Officers use police applications containing archive information, send e-mails on the go and access maps and intranet sites. They will get daily briefings from senior officers and, from next year, will be able to get witness statements signed electronically.

By the middle of 2014 it is planned that 1,000 officers on foot will get mobile Android-based devices that will give them the same access, but from a hand-held unit. Custom apps will be developed for both sets of equipment to provide the best technology possible for their needs.

West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson, said: “Using this technology will enable officers to have a more visible presence to ensure we are keeping our communities safe and feeling safer.

“Investing in this equipment will mean officers are out in their neighbourhoods rather than being caught up with paperwork.

“It will ensure when people need officers they are accessible and it means recording of crimes can be processed a lot quicker than they currently are and while officers are out and about.

“It means officers are placed exactly where they need to be at all times, in the heart of the community.”

Assistant Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “This is an exciting opportunity to work more efficiently and effectively, delivering a much better service to our communities.

“Frontline officers will now be able to input crimes and intelligence direct from the scene via their consoles, while at the same time remaining visible in their communities.”