NYPD to replace officers' handwritten patrol memo books with iPhone app

[Shawn Knight]

Forward-looking: Beginning February 17, officers across the force will put down their trusty memo pads and start taking digital notes on company-issued iPhones. It may not seem like a big deal but for a department with over 30,000 uniformed officers, it’ll be a major transition.

The New York City police department in 2017 replaced more than 36,000 dated Windows phones with iPhones and soon, those devices will take on additional responsibilities.

In addition to helping to curb potential abuse (or make it easier, depending on who you ask), the switch to digital will allow the department to more efficiently access and search memo book entries during follow-up investigations. Supervisors will be able to sign off on reports and monitor officers’ entries remotely.

What’s more, it’ll eliminate the task of trying to decipher officers’ chicken scratch and reduce paper waste. According to The New York Times, the department’s printing arm turns out 10,000 memo books each month.

Officers were long expected to safeguard their memo books, even after retirement, in the event they were subpoenaed as evidence in the future. Now, the digital records will be maintained by the department.

Not everyone is onboard with the switch. Officer Michael Ignatz, a 14-year veteran at the 90th Precinct, told the NY Times that he was a pen and paper guy. “For the younger guys, it’s an easier transition,” he added.

Masthead credit: Police cars by Photo Spirit. Roll call by Chang W. Lee, NY Times.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/83889-nypd-replace-officers-handwritten-patrol-memo-books-iphone.html

 

[cliffordcooley]

I assume the ticket book is still paper.

 

[noel24]

Nice. Now the FBI won't be able to see their notes.
Hackers will, of course... as They usually do, as Johansson's and Lawrence's butts...

 

[Yynxs]

What could possibly go wrong with non-standard charger cables and 30,000 New York police officers.

 

[Arris]

What could possibly go wrong with non-standard charger cables and 30,000 New York police officers.

"Oh no, I left my 'notebook' in the patrol car as it was low on battery"...

 

[Uncle Al]

Once again it reminds me of that phrase "Just because we can doesn't mean we should" In cases like this the opportunity for abuse is huge and what happens when the database is broken and hackers can get all your details ... and the police won't be held liable .... now there is the real crime!

 

[Ravalo]

I guess they got sick of officers with bad handwriting

 

[Danny101]

Easier to erase crimes that way

 

[Yynxs]

This will be a complete disaster.

I get the feeling those in charge KNOW this will be a disaster, but will do it anyway.

After a considerable number of years interpreting for and advising "...those in charge...", I believe I can assure you, they don't know.

"...those in charge..." preserve the status quo and work to expand fiefdoms or get promoted to larger fiefdoms. Sales people that know this, sell this type of sizzle and "...those in charge..." buy it over objections by their tech people and their subordinates.

Someone got 'sample' iphone 11s to test for this major purpose and there will be a follow-on custom development contract shortly. Stay tuned. Same Mac time, same Mac channel.