By Humberside Police launches video appointments for crime victims
Recognising the challenges of the current pandemic, Humberside Police have become the first force in England to launch a virtual appointment system for crime victims, allowing them to be interviewed via video link.
Humberside Police have said this will ensure that investigations continue to be carried out as comprehensively as possible, and will ensure that officers are able to communicate directly with victims and witnesses of crimes, without the current risks attached to physical contact.
The digital solution allows officers the ability to schedule secure video appointments with members of the public who have either been a victim of crime or who may have been a witness to an incident, and who could provide important pieces of information for ongoing investigations or appeals, while still keeping people safe through social distancing.
Deputy Chief Constable Chris Rowley of Humberside Police said:
“Our new video consultation system is a great digital step forward for the force throughout the pandemic, as our focus remains on keeping the public within our area safe and this gives us the means to do so.
“We are the first and only force nationally to be using this system, plus it’s operational 24/7 and applies across the whole of the Humberside Police force area. It’s accessible through the person’s chosen smart phone, PC or tablet, and browsers Google Chrome, Safari and Microsoft Edge and doesn’t require the public to download any new software.
“It works by the control room sending members of the public invitations to join a scheduled video call with the relevant officer via their default device and browser, where they can enter their name and incident number if applicable.
“The officer then admits the member of the public into a secure and private room where the video call will take place. We are continuing to practice the same level of risk assessment, no data is stored anywhere and the system doesn’t record any video or audio, so members of the public can feel reassured of their safety.
“Those who have been a victim or witness to crime in many cases, have already been through a tremendous ordeal and understandably given the current pandemic situation, will be anxious and concerned.
“The video system will hopefully ease any worries around giving statements by being able to provide them in a safe, virtual environment, and I hope that this innovative step forward does lead by example and promotes that it is possible to stay well-connected with others whilst practising social distancing.”
The system is being funded by the Office of Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Keith Hunter.
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