MORE bobbies could be pounding the beat following the introduction of a new £6m police computer system.

Hampshire Constabulary claims the new system will save 90,000 working hours a year -- the equivalent to an extra 50 officers on patrol.

The force argues that the investment in the new technology is a bargain, as officers will spend less time on paperwork. Chief Superintendent John James, who is in charge of the project, is confident it will also be reliable.

But he said a disaster recovery plan exists, in case the Record Management System (RMS) malfunctions.

The constabulary says the new system -- which was due to go online today (Friday) -- is the most advanced of its kind in the world.

It has been designed to replace several computer databases currently used by the force.

Until now, the 3,730 officers had to use separate programmes.

"They can now see all of that information just by going to one place," said Mr James.

Around 4,300 police and civilian staff are already trained to use the system, which has taken two years to install.

The force has stressed that no jobs will be lost because of the new technology. Mr James said its purpose was to improve efficiency so that a greater police presence could be provided.

The system has been welcomed by Winchester MP Mark Oaten, the Liberal Democrat spokesman on home affairs, who wants to see greater use of new technology in crimefighting.

"This is just the kind of thing we need to see happening," he said.

But he added there needed to be adequate back-up in case it failed.

If the technology proves a success, Mr Oaten said he wanted to see it adopted by other police forces in Britain.