COVID 19 apps added to Pronto

​Motorola Solutions has developed two new features for its Pronto mobile working solution, in order to help UK police users maintain social distancing during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

These consist of a ‘ticket’ app, which removes the need for officers to issue members of the public with physical documentation, alongside functionality allowing the taking of statements remotely via a mobile device. The first application has already been rolled-out, with the development of the latter currently being ‘fast-tracked.’

According to Motorola, the company has diverted resources in order to develop the aforementioned applications, which will only be available to current Pronto users.

Motorola country manager and sales director UK and Ireland Fergus Mayne said: “We know the emergency services need to adapt and adjust their ways of working on the frontline. Safety remains our top priority, and we are committed more than ever to develop new innovations to support frontline efforts in these difficult times.”

Dave Hannan, chief inspector at Lancashire Police, said: “To assist with following the new [Coronavirus] rules, we have adopted the ‘4E’ approach. We will engage the public first, explain the need to be at home, and encourage them to return home. As a last resort - and only when absolutely necessary - we will enforce the rules by means of a fixed penalty.”

The Pronto app was originally developed in the early 2000s. It is currently being used by 19 forces across the UK.