8:00am Saturday 13th March 2010
By Ben Parsons, Crime Reporter
Top police officers’ phones are costing more than £26,000 a year.
Sussex Police currently use about 270 BlackBerrys and have spent more than £50,000 on the gadgets over the last two years.
The force says the phones are an important way of keeping senior officers and staff in touch.
Critics said the spending - which has been taking place even as officers prepare for job losses and swingeing cutbacks - may be better used helping avoid job cuts.
According to details released under the Freedom of Information Act, Sussex Police spent £53,885.54 on BlackBerrys over the last two years.
The phones include a miniature “qwerty” keyboard similar to those used on computers.
They are designed for people to send and receive emails on the move as well as phonecalls.
The phones have become commonplace among senior public sector staff.
A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said: "Their use has improved communication between staff and in turn should provide an even better level of service to the public."
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