Police forces in the City of London, Essex, Merseyside, and Staffordshire have all recently signed contracts with WPC Software for their Liquor Licensing system Inn Keeper.

Inn Keeper is a system, which records all details of licensed premises, licensees and door staff within a force area. It is designed to help departmental staff keep on top of the lengthy administrative tasks involved in liquor licensing through the use of quick and simple search and query tools.

Mark Czechowski, Licensing Sgt from Staffordshire Constabulary said: " We're pleased with the efficiencies made by Inn Keeper. It means that officers can be released to police the streets, instead of being tied up with licensing administrative duties."

Forces are also able to use the system to monitor the ongoing problem of alcohol related crime. Inn Keeper can pin point troublesome areas by recording the exact details of any incidents, which occur on licensed premises over a period of time. The force can use this information to help tackle any ongoing or recurring problems, which they may have. Merseyside Police believes the system will be an invaluable tool especially if Liverpool wins its bid to become the City of Culture.

WPC Software specialise in developing computer applications for emergency services and now have 10 forces in the UK using their Inn Keeper product, keeping an eye on licensees and their premises. WPC are working hard to increase awareness within the UK's police forces, of the advantages of computer technology and its role in helping to fight crime.