Cutting-edge Vauxhall Astras are to be trialled by Hertfordshire Constabulary.
Police efforts in Hertfordshire could soon be boosted thanks to the help of new crime-busting vehicles from Vauxhall.
Hertfordshire Constabulary is to put a fleet of ten cutting-edge tech Vauxhall Astra Police cars through their paces as part of a trial period before deciding whether or not to use the technology going forward.
The cars are of particular note for the array of new technologies they boast. Police officers will be able to make us of the Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1, which is the first fully rugged tablet to include Windows 8 Pro, as well as an 8.4-inch high-resolution multi-touch touchscreen monitor.
In addition, the cars boast a 4G-compatible broadband router, which means officers have access to high-speed internet connectivity.
As for the Toughpad, this device is slender and weighs just 1.1 kg – allowing it to either be used on the move or docked into the glove box so officers can carry out work on the touchscreen monitor.
Dick Ellam, special vehicles manager at Vauxhall, said: "We are delighted that Hertfordshire Constabulary is taking ten Vauxhall Astras on trial and have placed an order to retro-fit 50 vehicles with this cutting edge technology.
"Efficiency is a top priority for both the Government and Hertfordshire Constabulary and the investment made in these Vauxhalls will mean officers spend more time in the field fighting crime."
Astras are a popular buy among those who check out the latest Vauxhall deals and this new technology could make them even more appealing for a different type of customer – the police.
Should the technology prove a success, 50 Vauxhall Astras already in use by the force will be fitted with the equipment. The trial is the first of its kind and means Hertfordshire Constabulary is the first force in the UK to give the groundbreaking technology a go.
The manufacturer pointed out the equipment has already grabbed the attention of senior politicians, It was revealed that prime minister David Cameron and home secretary Teresa May checked out prototypes of the Astras when the cutting-edge vehicles were presented to the pair earlier in the year.
Posted by Perry Murray