Hesse Introduces 18 Custom Apps to Enhance Police Operations

The Hesse state police are embracing a digital transformation with the introduction of 18 custom-developed applications designed to streamline various aspects of law enforcement. These applications allow officers to digitally record incidents such as traffic accidents and file crime reports, significantly reducing the reliance on traditional pen-and-paper methods.

According to Bodo Koch, head of the Innovation Hub 110 located in Frankfurt, these advancements aim to enhance service delivery to the community. The approximately 22,500 personnel of the Hesse police have been issued smartphones to facilitate this mobile strategy. The move is part of an ongoing effort to modernize police work and improve efficiency.

One of the key features of the traffic accident recording app is its ability to scan identification documents and automatically capture location data through geolocation. This functionality allows for the digital exchange of contact information among involved parties via QR codes. Koch emphasized that these features are being developed to expedite processes and improve the overall experience for citizens interacting with law enforcement.

In addition to improving efficiency, the new apps are designed to minimize potential errors that may arise from manual data entry. The applications are part of an interconnected ecosystem, ensuring compatibility and functionality across various platforms used by the police. To protect sensitive information, a biometric authentication process is mandatory for data access.

The development of additional applications is already underway, with the goal of digitalizing the entire scope of police work conducted in the field. One notable feature includes translation assistance for officers, which was rapidly implemented following the onset of the conflict in Ukraine to facilitate communication with refugees.

Another significant development focuses on the management of evidence collection, where officers no longer need to complete paper forms when seizing items such as mobile phones during investigations.

New applications are first piloted in model precincts across Hesse, allowing police to provide feedback on the practicality and effectiveness of these technological innovations. In these model precincts, officers have access to modern workstations equipped with tablets that can be connected to monitors, enabling them to utilize the apps efficiently.