Police officers on some of Scotland's remotest beats have become the first in the UK to use handset technology giving them crime-fighting data at the press of a button.

Northern Constabulary is providing its 729 officers with on-the-street access to photographic and data information, via an operator at headquarters.

The images will appear on their existing "airwave radio handsets" which just look like an early-version mobile phone.

The technology is similar to that used to make web pages available to mobiles, except that the system uses the secure Airwave digital communications network used by all UK police forces.

It means they will also have access to the new Criminal History System (CHS) with information on fingerprints, DNA and criminal records. The DVLA driver database has become accessible, so driver identity can be confirmed at the roadside.

The handset also has a device which allows HQ to know exactly where each officer is, and an emergency button if they need assistance. If it falls into the wrong hands, it can be shut down remotely.

It will allow officers access to information instantly. For example, if a policeman driving on a lonely road in the north of Sutherland passes a young woman hitching by herself, he can find out straightaway whether she is a missing person reported that morning. He will no longer have to go back to the station to check the photograph, but dial up on his mobile and wait 30 seconds.

Or a policewoman asked to apprehend a young shoplifter in Inverness's High Street only has to dial a number to look at CCTV footage to establish whether she has found the culprit.

The Imagin (Images Made Available to Groups or Individuals over Networks) concept has been developed by Northern Constabulary as part of the mobile data project being pursued by the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (Acpos).

Sergeant Alastair Garrow, the project manager in the Highlands, said because the existing handsets were being used the total cost would only be around £10,000.

Chief constable Ian Latimer said the technology would be of particular assistance in the Highlands where officers could be 40 miles from base.

"Because our geography is so big, we have always sought to maximise the use of technology. The force is proud to be leading the way through the introduction of this new technology for all our officers."

Meanwhile, Central Scotland Police will be the first force in the country to employ civilian investigators. The pilot project is designed to free up front-line officers from paperwork and get them back out on the beat.

From next April, eight investigative assistants will work in Falkirk police station alongside detectives and uniformed staff. Their role will be to take statements from victims of crimes, such as vandalism and antisocial behaviour, gather evidence and write up reports. They will have no powers to detain or arrest.