New tool to fight crime

By David Newble

Thursday, July 2, 2009

A NEW innovation that allows police to view pictures on their digital radio sets is the latest tool in the fight against crime on the Island.

Hampshire Constabulary has become the second and largest police force in the UK to use IMAGIN (Images Made Available to Groups or Individuals over Networks) technology.

Members of the public reporting a missing person, for example, will be asked to e-mail a photograph to a dedicated email address. That image can then be made available within seconds to groups of officers in a specific area or across both counties.

It is hoped people will soon be able to send images straight from their mobile phones.

Deputy Chief Constable Simon Cole said: "This is a really good piece of technology that allows us to get pictures out quickly to officers and staff on patrol, especially in critical situations where every second counts."

Reporter: davidn@iwcpmail.co.uk