Brown announces 10,000 mobile computers for police

Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced 10,000 mobile computers will be given to police officers to cut down on the amount of time they spend on paperwork.

The computers will be given to officers on patrol allowing them to save time by filing reports online.

During his speech to delegates at the party conference in Bournemouth, Brown said he hopes to strengthen police forces. He said, "I can announce that we will provide hand held computers - 1,000 now, by next year 10,000 right across the country - cutting paper work so that officers can log crimes on the spot, stay on the beat and not waste time returning to the station to fill out forms."

In addition, he mentioned the role technology will play in reducing carbon emissions. "By investing in energy efficiency, renewables, carbon capture, clean fuels and new environmental technologies, I want Britain to lead in carbon-free vehicles, carbon-free homes and carbon-free industry," he said. "And I want the new green technologies of the future to be the source of British jobs in British businesses.

Brown also spoke of the problems the internet can bring for young children. He said, "Like many parents I feel I am struggling to set the boundaries so that children can be safe - and that is why we have asked [TV psychologist] Dr Tanya Byron to look at how families can make the most of the opportunities new technology gives while doing our duty to protect children from harmful material."