HRPS first police agency to announce electronic notes in Ontario

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is the first police agency in Ontario to announce the use of electronic notes.

HRPS is also only the second in Canada to transition from paper-based notes to an electronic platform.

Halton police say the new functions allow for heightened transparency and credibility, with time-stamped entries and increased legibility.

“Note-taking in the policing sector has not evolved in over 100 years, and we are proud to be adopting technology that the newest generation of officers expect and want,” says Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie.

“This is just one of the latest ways the HRPS is striving to optimize effectiveness and efficiency by purposefully harnessing innovative technology.”

The eNotes use the Smart Squad application on Service-issued cellphones.

It allows officers to access, add, and record notes on police databases from everywhere.

eNotes also gives officers a secure way to get audio statements and take supplementary photos or recordings.

HRPS say about one-third of its sworn members have received training and transitioned to eNotes.

All sworn members are expected to be fully trained by early 2022.