Leicestershire Police has installed Citrix’s virtualisation system, XenDesktop, onto Panasonic ToughBook laptops in 200 patrol cars across the region, to enable its officers access and deliver documents while on the move.
According to Citrix, XenDesktop, implemented by its reseller Point-to-Point, has helped the constabulary increase the efficiency of its officers by 30%, as written statements can now be submitted directly onto the Central Input Bureau, instead of spending seven days to process them.
XenDesktop assembles virtual desktops to provide users with a new and personalised desktop each time they log on. It separates the delivery of the desktop OS, applications and user settings.
Fraser Kyne, UK business development manager at Citrix, said: “Desktop virtualisation separates the OS, applications and user settings so that a user gets a ‘new’ PC every day, which greatly helps with management of the network. As XenDesktop provides access to the information and applications held centrally, nothing is stored on the laptops themselves. This, therefore, eliminates the risk of sensitive data falling into the wrong hands.”
The virtualised desktop environment can incorporate the police force’s legacy systems. XenDesktop uses the standard desktop and applications, which the officers use at the station.
James Pearce, information systems analyst, at Leicestershire Constabulary, said: “Citrix XenDesktop enables officers to use mobile networks to securely access core systems, such as Crime & Intelligence and Command & Control, from anywhere. As early adopters of virtualised desktop technology, the force can now be more responsive to crimes because the information they need is available to them in real-time.”
