Grampian Police headquarters joins iKiosk network
27/11/06
Visitors to Grampian Police headquarters can now access electronic information not only about the Force but also on Aberdeen City Council services and those of partners including health, travel and education.
The Force, which is a partner with the City in its innovative network of touch screen iKiosks, has established a kiosk in the foyer of its Aberdeen-based HQ on Queen Street.
The latest internal kiosk joins those in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and the
Robert Gordon University as well as those located externally at the Castlegate,
Schoolhill, St Nicholas Concourse, Music Hall and soon
outside Torry
Library.
More are expected to be added over the next two years.
Visitors to Grampian Police will be able to interact and transact on a wide range of subjects including community resources, journey-planning, city centre activities, tourist attractions and other public services such as health and community policing.
Free internet phone calls can be made to specified locations such as the Traveline call centre and the RGU Sport centre with more useful options to come soon.
Other hi- tech facilities include the option to send a 30-second video attachment or seeking advice from Kirsty, Aberdeen's virtual speaking guide.
Also accessible are an A-Z of council services, tourist information and details of "What's-On" within Aberdeen along with information drawn from the websites of partners such as Grampian Police.
Chief Inspector Adrian Berkeley of the Force's Community Partnerships Division said: "The development of the iKiosk network provides an excellent way for the Force and partners to widen its community engagement. Not everyone has a computer but these kiosks allow any citizen to find web-based electronic information.
"We are delighted that the Force is not only contributing information for public access but is now able to facilitate such access through our own kiosk."
Phil Mills-Bishop, Aberdeen City Council eGovernment Projects Manager, said: "Grampian Police have been an enthusiastic and supportive partner in this project. We welcome their assistance in widening our network and we look forward to discussing with them how the kiosks can assist achieve the Force's objectives.
"The iKiosks have proved immensely popular since their introduction in May this year with ½ million meaning touches recorded. It is a unique service in its partnership and range of information and services, and is attracting attention from other parts of the United Kingdom."
* In December 2005,Aberdeen City Council awarded the contract to Public Data
Web Ltd of Sheffield to design, build and install the Network and provide a
managed service for five years. Credit/debit card readers are standard at all
Kiosks, allowing the future possibility of making payments for Council tax,
rents, parking fines, educational courses and other sundries service items such
as special-uplifts and environmental
pest control.
The iKiosk design also provides, as standard, a WiFi opportunity and topography around the City. This could allow citizens and Council and partner employees to access information, interact and transact utilising mobile hand-held devices within a 100metres of any iKiosk.