The pen times and dates when items are written

They have built-in infra red cameras to record handwritten reports by officers when they are out and about, which can then be downloaded on to a computer.

Durham Police has ordered a feasibility study to be carried out into the use of the pens early next year.

Senior managers believe the pens will save time and help keep officers out on the streets.

The pens are a little wider than a fountain pen and about the same length.

Officers use forms produced on special paper to hand write statements, complete crime reports and stop-search documents or fill out other forms in the normal way.

The pen can identify the form being filled out and then copies up to 70 of the author's hand movements every second.

User appeal

When it is taken to docking stations in patrol cars or offices, the data stored in the pen can be downloaded on to the force's computer system.

Deputy Chief Constable Jon Stoddart said: "Both its simplicity and timesaving appealed to us.

"It will save time and help keep officers out on the streets and, because it relies on handwriting rather than keyboard skills, it has a lot of user appeal."

The pen preserves original handwriting and automatically times and dates every movement of the pen, which would protect officers from any claims of inappropriate or late entries, Mr Stoddart said.