The force believes its officers have saved the time they would have had to spend in the office thanks to the introduction of handheld computers.
Up to 3,500 officers in West Yorkshire have so far been equipped with the computers as part of a roll out which began in 2008.

The portable devices, which can be used as phones, can already be linked to databases such as the such as the Police National Computer, command and control and local intelligence systems.

They allow police officers to access the very latest intelligence and information while on patrol such as fresh details about crimes and newly uploaded photos of suspects.

The mobile data device programme is being rolled out nationally by the National Policing Improvement Agency on behalf of the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers.

Chief Inspector Steve Thomas, who is managing the project for the force, said: "The introduction of mobile data devices to officers is a real step forward for us as a force as it allows our officers to spend ever increasing amounts of time in the places where residents want to see them, namely on the streets fighting crime.

"Already, our officers have access to real time photographs and intelligence in the palm of their hands and this is making a difference. It is, for example, becoming a lot harder for a criminal who has been stopped to try and avoid arrest by providing a false name or documents."

He said the introduction of mobile stop and search forms in particular was a real step forward and far more was to come from the devices.

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