City of Leeds joins pioneering initiative to improve night-time safety

The city of Leeds, which has one of the largest evening and night-time economies in the UK, has joined a pioneering police-led initiative designed to improve the safety and security of licensed premises. Leeds will pilot this scheme in conjunction with operators in the city centre across bars, pubs and clubs.

The city’s participation means the whole of West Yorkshire is now supporting the Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative (ie Licensing SAVI), with Bradford, Wakefield, Calderdale and Kirklees already signed up.

Each of the five areas will be encouraging 60 licensed venues to take part – making a total of 300 venues in West Yorkshire – as the county leads the national roll-out of the scheme throughout England and Wales.

Funded by the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit, the project is being delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership.

Licensing SAVI encourages venues to improve their operational security and management practices year-on-year by using an online self-assessment, which includes all the police and council licensing information that venues need to meet statutory licensing requirements for safety and security. Venues can be awarded a ‘star’-based rating and apply for Licensing SAVI accreditation.

The initiative specifically covers drink spiking and injection incidents, which have made media headlines over the last few months, as well as providing guidance around issues like responsible drinking, drugs misuse, violent behaviour and safeguarding vulnerable customers.

There’s a female safety policy for venues to adapt for their own use, while Licensing SAVI also covers physical security, such as emergency exits, lighting and CCTV systems. Most measures included in Licensing SAVI can be introduced quickly and at little or no cost.

Home Office request

Licensing SAVI was developed at the request of the Home Office by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives, a not-for-profit police organisation working alongside the police service throughout the UK to deter and reduce crime.

The aim of the initiative is to provide safer and more secure venues for managers, staff, customers and local communities and also reduce the demand on police forces, the NHS Ambulance Services and Accident & Emergency Departments.

Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for resources with responsibility for ‘Safer Leeds’, explained: “Leeds is proud of its prestigious Purple Flag status in Leeds city centre, which reflects the tremendous work being undertaken day-in, day-out by a range of partners to make the Leeds night-time economy more attractive, diverse and safe for all. The Licensing SAVI pilot is another opportunity to work with and encourage operators to further raise standards such that people can enjoy their experience, are safe and, importantly, feel safe.”

Chief Superintendent Jackie Marsh, director of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit, added: “Bringing Leeds into this initiative offers yet more momentum for our collective goal of increasing safety within West Yorkshire’s vibrant night-time economy. This now fully-unified approach means that people enjoying our towns and cities can do so in the knowledge that establishments are operating to a consistent and high standard.”

Marsh continued: “When it comes to the safety of women and girls, we know they’re often disproportionately affected by acts of criminality such as drink spiking and sexual offences. The Licensing SAVI approach delivers added reassurance that their welfare is paramount.”

Mark Morgan, business lead for Licensing SAVI and a former police superintendent, concluded: “I’m thrilled and delighted that the city of Leeds is on board. Leeds has a reputation for wanting to improve the vibrancy and safety of its evening and night-time economy. Licensing SAVI will complement all of the city’s other initiatives designed to help its venues achieve higher standards of safety and security for the benefit of staff and customers alike.”

Licensing SAVI launches for 300 pubs, bars and clubs across West Yorkshire region

West Yorkshire’s high-profile Violence Reduction Unit, which is part of the Mayoral Combined Authority and leads a number of partner organisations across the county to tackle violent crime, has announced the launch of a pioneering licensing initiative designed to improve the safety and security of bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels.

A total of 300 specially selected licensed premises across the Bradford, Calderdale, Wakefield and Kirklees Metropolitan District Council areas are being invited to take part in the scheme, which encourages venues to improve their operational security and management practices year-on-year.

Indeed, West Yorkshire has become the first county in England and Wales to officially launch Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative (ie Licensing SAVI), which has been developed at the request of the Home Office by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives, itself a police-owned organisation working alongside the police service around the UK to deter and reduce crime.

Independent from the alcoholic drinks industry, Licensing SAVI is backed by the National Police Chiefs Council and Project Servator, the police-led vigilance scheme orchestrated to deter terrorist attacks at crowded places. Its aim is to provide safer and more secure venues for managers, staff, customers and local communities alike and to reduce the demand on hard-pressed police forces and NHS Ambulance Services as well as Accident and Emergency Departments.

Available to licensees as an online self-assessment, Licensing SAVI covers critical issues like responsible drinking, drugs misuse, violent behaviour and safeguarding vulnerable customers right through to preventing opportunist theft and improving physical security by way of the installation of security lighting and CCTV systems. Most measures included within Licensing SAVI can be introduced quickly and at little or no cost.

Consistent standards, guidance and advice

For the first time, Licensing SAVI provides consistent standards, guidance and advice that the managers of licensed premises in England and Wales need to adhere to in order meet the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003.

It actively promotes the four ‘Licensing Objectives’: the Prevention of Public Nuisance, the Prevention of Crime and Disorder; the Protection of Children from Harm and also Public Safety. Licensing SAVI includes a non-assessed guidance section on counter-terrorism and a COVID-19 risk assessment template for licensees to use if they so wish.

Licensees who complete the self-assessment will receive a Star Rating and can apply for Licensing SAVI accreditation as well as an award for display on the premises to show the efforts undertaken to enhance safety.

Timely launch

Licensing SAVI’s launch is timely because it can become part of a venue’s business recovery planning and as a refresher resource for the return of staff who/ve been furloughed, so too the recruitment and training of new staff to replace those who have left.

YouGov research (commissioned by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives) of 5,050 adults aged between 18 and 45 in England for the period 16 August through to 5 September were asked about safety in licensed premises, with safety defined as ‘where efforts have been made to prevent crime, reduce harm and where staff will support you if you are feeling vulnerable’.

The survey found that adults feel significantly less safe in licensed premises today than they did prior to the first national lockdown in March 2020. The fall in feeling safe was largest in nightclubs, where the numbers are down from 81% pre-pandemic to 48% and in bars and pubs from 93% to 64%.

Asked whether they agreed with the statement that ‘recent publicity around the safety of women and girls has made it more important for licensed premises to improve their safety procedures’, a total of 79% of adults agreed that they want safety improvements in nightclubs, while 76% of respondents want to see improvements in bars and pubs.

Support was greatest among women. In nightclubs, 83% of those females surveyed want improved safety compared to 75% of men. In bars and pubs, the percentage point difference was greater, with 81% of women wanting safety improvements compared to 70% of those males questioned.

Tackling violent crime

The Licensing SAVI initiative is being funded by the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit, which seeks to tackle violent crime and the underlying causes of violent crime through early intervention, prevention and education by working closely with representatives of key partner organisations including healthcare bodies, the police and local government, education, youth justice, prisons, the probation service and core community groups.  

The West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit is delivering the initiative in partnership with the West Yorkshire Public Health Reducing Violent Crime Network, which includes public health, police service and council licensing teams. This network is led by Chloe Froggett, knowledge hub manager for the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit, and Emm Irving (manager for improving population health at the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership).

Chief superintendent Jackie Marsh, director of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit, said: “Given the unprecedented experience that the sector has endured over the past year or so, it’s really important that we’re able to support venues across the county in providing a safe environment in which they can operate. By funding this initiative and anticipating any potential issues, we can give premises the knowledge, security and confidence they require that will ultimately work to reduce the incidence of violent crime and associated issues.”

Marsh went on to comment: “Aside the backdrop of preventing violence against women and girls, and also kick-starting the night-time economy, this partnership approach represents another step in the right direction.”

Foremost priority

Sarah Muckle, director of public health for Bradford Council and lead public health director for the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership, explained: “We’re proud of the partnership involving the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit and, indeed, all of the joint work that’s taking place. Providing a safe and secure environment for local communities is a priority for us all. Giving local businesses good guidance to keep their premises safe and secure is one way in which we can help to achieve this.”

Mark Morgan, business lead for Licensing SAVI and a former police superintendent, added: “I look forward to supporting the West Yorkshire region with the Licensing SAVI initiative, which will contribute to safer licensed premises and reduced alcohol-related violence.”

Police Crime Prevention Academy supports Home Office with specialist training

The Police Crime Prevention Academy is currently working with the Home Office, providing bespoke training with a focus on crime prevention and designing out crime.

Guy Collyer, head of the Police Crime Prevention Academy, said: “We value the opportunity to assist Home Office staff in gaining a more detailed understanding of this critical work within policing.”

The Home Office is instrumental in protecting the public and keeping people safe, recently launching the second £20 million round of the Safer Streets Fund for Police and Crime Commissioners and local authorities to invest in a range of crime prevention measures across high crime areas in England and Wales.

The Police Crime Prevention Academy is part of Police Crime Prevention Initiatives, the police-owned, non-profit organisation that works on behalf of the police service throughout the UK, duly delivering a wide range of crime prevention and police demand reduction initiatives.

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Close working links

The Academy maintains close working links with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, as well as senior police officers, and is the established supplier to the police service for crime prevention learning and development.

Not only does the Academy offer a local delivery option that significantly reduces costs, but it also provides the flexibility to dovetail content into Continuing Professional Development and reflect local issues.  

The Police Crime Prevention Academy also delivers several qualifications to the private sector, working closely with local authorities and relevant specialists such as architects and planners, and offers a number of distance and virtual learning qualifications.

The Academy prides itself in keeping the quality of qualifications at a premium and the costs of its service delivery at a minimum.

Home Office grants £14 million funding for security at Jewish institutions

The Home Office has granted the Community Security Trust (CST) funding to the tune of £14 million for security measures designed to help keep members of the Jewish community safe in their daily lives. The grant will cover protective security for the next financial year at Jewish institutions such as schools and synagogues.

A charity that monitors and helps to protect against anti-semitism, CST recorded 1,805 anti-semitic incidents in the UK in 2019. This figure represents a 7% increase on the previous year.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Anti-semitic incidents are not just an attack on the Jewish community, but on everyone who believes in a free and open society. This funding will help Jewish people practise their religion and way of life without fear of attack or persecution.”

Baroness Williams, the Minister for Countering Extremism, added: “No-one should feel afraid for practising their religion. We are committed to ensuring our places of worship remain safe spaces for worship, contemplation and reflection. Only by working together can we ensure that hateful behaviour like anti-semitism are eliminated from our society.”

The grant was introduced in 2015 following a series of terror attacks against Jewish targets across Europe. It has been renewed yearly following security assessments by the Home Office.

The CST’s CEO David Delew explained: “The British Jewish community is deeply grateful for the renewal of Home Office funding for the provision of security officers at Jewish schools and other communal premises facing the continuing threat of terrorism. The CST will continue managing this grant, which alleviates a serious financial security burden from Jewish communities across the country.”

Most of the funding will go towards protective measures for Jewish schools. While the funding period commences on Wednesday 1 April, all synagogues remain closed while schools only remain open for the children of those conducting essential work as part of Government efforts to tackle COVID-19.

In addition to the protective security grant, the Home Office also runs the Places of Worship Scheme, which provides funding to improve physical security for non-Jewish places of worship.

Importantly, the Home Office has recently launched a consultation to see what more can be done by the Government to improve security for faith groups.

Fire door safety campaigners “step up first line of defence”

Through Fire Door Safety Week (FDSW), fire door safety campaigners are working to ensure public and private sector landlords and building owners stop risking the lives of tenants and ensure fire doors are correctly inspected, specified, fitted and maintained.

Fire doors are the first line of defence against devastating fires and, when properly built, installed and maintained, they save lives and protect property. Despite this, fire doors across the UK are still often badly fitted, non-compliant, left propped open or damaged and, as a result, could be putting millions of lives at stake.

The team behind FDSW 2018 (which runs from 24-30 September) is gearing up for its campaign that will continue to educate about the critical role that fire doors play in delaying the spread of smoke and fire and keeping occupants and firefighters safe.

The FDSW campaign – entitled: ‘Fire Door Five: Shutting the Door on Fire and Smoke’ – aims to draw attention to the importance of properly-fitted and accredited fire doors as well as raising awareness of the dangers of smoke inhalation and the role that correctly installed fire doors can play in preventing the spread of both fire and smoke.

Part of the activity will see campaigners explore the need to establish a Building Safety Fund to help pay for vital and potentially life-saving fire safety improvements in Local Authority and Housing Association accommodation.

Informed decisions

Hannah Mansell, spokesperson for FDSW as well as being the British Woodworking Federation’s (BWF) head of technical research and insight, chair of the Passive Fire Protection Forum and a trustee of the Children’s Burns Trust, said: “Through Fire Door Safety Week, we will once more renew our efforts to ensure that residents, landlords and building owners across the UK are armed with the information they need to make informed decisions that will improve safety.”

Mansell continued: “There’s no doubt that, when fully-fitted with their correct and compatible components, properly installed and maintained, fire doors play a crucial role in saving lives in the event of a fire. The legacy of neglect means that more lives could be lost as a result of sub-standard fire protection measures. We know that the necessary corrective actions will cost money and that’s precisely why we are asking the Government set up a Building Safety Fund for Housing Associations and Local Authorities such that they can carry out replacement and repair works. Finance should not be used as an excuse. The stakes are too high.”

Mansell went on to state: “Tenants and the general public will, as always, play a key part and make sure their voices are heard by reporting fire doors that are propped open, damaged or in poor condition, rather than waiting for landlords or building owners to inspect fire doors. Indeed, as part of Fire Door Safety Week, we have created a Five-Step Fire Door Check to help people check their fire doors and empower them to report faults.”

Massive learning curve

Over the last year, there has been significant discussion about the responsibility of landlords, councils and Housing Associations to ensure the safety of their tenants, but according to Mansell there’s still a massive learning curve in terms of awareness about how fire doors that are correctly specified, installed, maintained and of course closed can limit the effect of fire and smoke, and what to do in the event of a fire.

“Due to this uncertainty, our focus for Fire Door Safety Week in 2018 is ‘shutting the door on fire and smoke’. We want to educate everyone on how effective fire doors can be in stopping the spread of fire and smoke.”

A national campaign, FDSW is run by the BWF, the BWF-Certifire Scheme and the Fire Door Inspection Scheme in partnership with the Home Office’s own National Fire Safety Campaign. Throughout the week, there will be numerous events and campaign activities designed to raise awareness about the importance of fire door safety.

*To access a free toolkit of fire safety advice resources to help run your own FDSW activities visit www.firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk

Seven million-plus viewers watch counter-terrorism safety video as UK policing increases global CT presence

Counter-Terrorism Policing (CT Policing) has significantly increased its international presence in the last two years, with many more staff currently deployed overseas working with local authorities to help protect British citizens from the global terror threat.

As UK schools break up for the summer holidays and the travel industry prepares for one of the busiest periods of the year, the UK’s most senior counter-terrorism officers are asking holidaymakers to play their part by watching a short video instructing them what to do in the unlikely event of an attack.

CT Policing – in association with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Home Office and the Travel Association ABTA – launched the four-minute film just over a year ago and, since then, more than seven million people have learned how to keep themselves and others safe should the worst happen.

ABTA has also translated the video into 15 different languages for use in multiple countries to improve awareness among the holiday representatives, hotel staff and security officers who look after millions of UK tourists every year.

The video was first created after 30 British people tragically lost their lives in the 2015 Sousse attack in Tunisia.

Since then, CT Policing’s international footprint has expanded significantly, with increases to the number of officers providing a range of security liaison and advice to other countries, ensuring they’re better prepared to keep people safe when overseas.

This is a ‘whole system approach’ to fighting the threat from global terrorism. By warning and informing citizens, training and advising industry and close liaison with domestic and international partners, each of these strands comes together to better protect the UK and its interests at home and abroad.

Everyone must remain alert

Chief Superintendent Nick Aldworth, national co-ordinator for Protect and Prepare, said: “The chances of being caught up in a terrorist incident are still low, but sadly we have seen atrocities take place in the UK and abroad, especially last year. That being so, it’s important everyone stays alert and knows what to do if the worst was to happen.”

Aldworth continued: “An important part of my job is deploying police officers and staff around the world to share the UK’s world-renowned security expertise and help better protect our citizens from harm. Now, we are asking the public to play an active part by taking the time to watch this video. We want people to think of this in the same way they do the safety film airlines show before take-off. They don’t expect anything bad to happen, but it’s a sensible safety precaution to show people what to do.”

Security Minister Ben Wallace MP stated: “Fortunately, the majority of us will never experience a terrorist attack while enjoying a holiday abroad and there’s no need to be alarmed. However, it’s important that we all remain vigilant to the threat.”

He added: “I urge all holidaymakers to take a moment before heading off on their travels to view the ‘Run, Hide, Tell’ advice, which could be life-saving should the worst happen. I also urge everyone to read the small print on their travel insurance to make sure they have the appropriate level of cover.”

Check the FCO’s travel advice

Minister for Counter-Terrorism, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, observed: “We work closely with our international partners to ensure that British holidaymakers are safe overseas. While the chances of becoming caught up in a terrorist event are extremely low, it’s important that people remain vigilant.”

Lord Ahmed urged: “Before going away, do take a moment to check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s travel advice to make sure you’re aware of what’s going on in the country you’re going to. We encourage everyone to take sensible precautions while they’re abroad. If an incident occurs, remember the key advice to Run, Hide, Tell.”

Nikki White, director of destinations and sustainability at ABTA, concluded: “We recognise the importance of raising awareness and providing clear guidance for our members and their employees. We know that customers would look to those members of staff working in their hotels and resorts to take the lead and respond quickly to an emerging situation.”

Home Office consults on using body-worn video for police interviews

New Home Office regulations will allow police to use body-worn video to record interviews with suspects under plans now being consulted on. Police can already use evidence captured by wearable cameras, but the changes will mean that, for the first time, they can be used for suspect interviews away from the police station setting.

It follows joint work between the Home Office and the police to help maximise time spent on the front line by police officers and reduce unnecessary trips to and from police stations.

Minister for Policing and the Fire Service, Nick Hurd said: “Having met officers across England and Wales, I’ve seen how technology is bringing 21st Century solutions to age-old policing problems. I want our police officers to have access to the best possible equipment and to be able to use it to bring greater efficiency to front line policing. We will keep looking for ways in which to save time and work more effectively, and we’ll do everything we can to support forces as they adapt for the future.”

By the end of this year, 60,000 body-worn video cameras will have been deployed by police forces across England and Wales.

As part of the new regulations, the Home Office is also strengthening the protections in place for interviewees and will require all interviews with suspects to be recorded when a working audio device is available.

The new plans set out in full suspects’ rights and entitlements and also include a definition of vulnerability such that it’s perfectly clear when interviews must be conducted with independent support for the suspect from an appropriate adult and, if one is requested, a solicitor.

LOCKEN set to launch innovative applications and contactless technology at Security and Policing 2017

LOCKEN, a leading provider of cable-free access control solutions, will be announcing the launch of a new range of highly innovative security systems at the forthcoming Home Office-organised Security and Policing 2017 event, which runs at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre from 7-9 March.

Alongside the company’s prominent Electronic range, LOCKEN will be showcasing a new Mechatronic range of access control systems. Combining the advantages of an electronic access control system and mechanical solutions, the new Mechatronic range is based on contactless induction technology, providing maximum reliability and robustness while guaranteeing instant opening.

Thanks to a Bluetooth module combined with Locken’s MyLocken applications, the mechatronic key opens up an infinite range of services for the end user. The mechatronic cylinders are installed without cabling and resistant to all climatic conditions.

“As a leader in the provision of security solutions and innovative access control systems across large single-sites companies and multi-site businesses, it’s important that we broaden our offer and continue to innovate in order to meet all end user demands,” explained Nick Dooley, managing director of LOCKEN UK.

Visitors at Stand E9 will also be able to witness LOCKEN showcasing the latest technical innovations behind its award-winning and highly successful Electronic CyberLock range.

Security and Policing is the official UK Government global security event and provides a platform for professionals from the UK and across the world to engage with the very highest level of security expertise and the latest technology. In addition, it engenders the level of industry engagement needed to enable UK Government to procure and deliver its national security priorities.

The Home Office is committed to working with partners in industry and academia to develop and collaborate on the products and services needed to cut crime, prevent terrorism, detect illegal immigration and promote growth. Being able to share needs while gaining a better understanding of the capabilities available is a critical part of this initiative.

*Opening times for the show are: Tuesday 7 March and Wednesday 8 March 9.00 am-4.30 pm and Thursday 9 March9.00 am-3.00 pm

**For further details access the event website

TDSi’s md John Davies recognised by BSIA for Contribution to Exporting

John Davies, the managing director of integrated security manufacturer TDSi, has been awarded the 2016 BSIA Chairman’s Award for Contribution to Exporting during the BSIA’s Annual Luncheon, which was held at the London Hilton on Park Lane. The award recognises Davies’ significant contribution to promoting UK export initiatives within the security sector as chairman of the BSIA’s Export Council.

Commenting on the award, Davies told Risk UK: “I’m highly honoured to receive this special award from the BSIA. As the head of the Trade Association’s Export Council, my key task is to ensure that the British security industry understands the benefits and opportunities involved when it comes to engaging with markets around the world. Given the current political situation in the UK surrounding Brexit, it has never been more important for businesses here to understand and work with markets internationally.”

John Davies (left) receives the BSIA Chairman’s Award for Contribution to Exporting

Daren Wood, membership and export services manager for the BSIA, stated: “John Davies has been a driving force and a keen supporter of the BSIA’s Export Council, serving twice as its chairman. First elected vice-chairman of the Export Council back in 2008, John has worked very closely with the Association to provide advice and guidance to other security companies who were less experienced exporters.”

Wood continued: “John then took over as chairman of the Export Council in 2010, becoming a strong figurehead for the industry. Around the same time, he served on the UKTI DSO’s Security Sector Advisory Group, assisting the Government in identifying security export opportunities. John started his second tenure as chairman of the Export Council last year and continues to be a strong voice for exporting in the industry. He now serves concurrently on the Home Office’s Security Resilience and Growth Partnership as an authoritative voice on exporting in the security sector.”

Vital role to play

Davies believes the UK security industry has a vital role to play in markets as far afield as North America and Asia. “What has struck me, having worked with the BSIA [and TDSi on a commercial level], is how well respected UK providers and products are around the world. For instance, TDSi produces all of its products in the UK, but we have a very healthy sales pipeline into China, which fully recognises the quality and insight that features so heavily in our offer. Although China has a huge manufacturing base of its own, customers there are extremely shrewd and like to buy the best solutions on the market. They harbour a huge respect for UK suppliers.”

TDSi has a strong presence in many security markets around the world. For example, Davies has lead the company to considerable commercial success in the People’s Republic of China, including a deal signed last year for a five-year strategic co-operation agreement with China Rail Chen Bang Technology Ltd. This will see TDSi’s technology used on rail and metro projects throughout China, and will eventually include 20,000 stations on the China Railway network.

TDSi’s sales in China and Asia increased by 33% last year, and the company has a strong presence in markets such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines. The business also has ongoing growth in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, and is keenly looking to expand into other African territories.

The company’s French office, which is based near Paris, also provides access to the considerable French-speaking regions of North Africa and the Middle East, as well as being a hub within Europe. The business is also looking to expand its technical and commercial expertise further into the North American market in the very near future.

Huge scope for progress

Davies added: “The British and European markets are steadily expanding, but there’s huge scope in many other markets around the world. In my role at the BSIA, I’m very keen to ensure British security businesses fully understand the opportunities on offer and don’t let perceived language and cultural barriers get in the way of the exciting sales opportunities on offer.”

In conclusion, Davies informed Risk UK: “The UK has some of the best scientific and technological minds in the world, with a great reputation for quality and innovation. It’s a privilege to chair the BSIA’s Export Council. I’m passionate about its aims.”

Reports of evidence loss on supposed eve of digital evidence mandate

Is it a coincidence that the revelations of evidence loss have hit the headlines as we approach the deadline of the Home Office mandate for digital evidence compliance, which comes into effect at the end of April? writes Jamie Wilson.

Given that, since the mandate was announced, there has been very little publicity surrounding the ‘stick’ approach towards driving forces to implement digital evidence management strategies, I suspect that it is indeed a coincidence.

The BBC has revealed the findings of a joint Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary report which says that there was a “widespread issue” involving the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) “misplacing discs containing sensitive evidence and information”.

For members of the public reading such an article it is sure to shock, but for those working in police forces right across England and Wales it may not be such a huge surprise.

Jamie Wilson

Discs are essentially physical pieces of evidence that need to be manually logged, booked-in, stored and retrieved, etc. With so many discs in circulation and physical storage space being limited, it’s perhaps not unexpected that on occasion they can be misplaced.

In 2014, the then policing and criminal justice minister Damian Green announced that by the end of April this year, all forces in England and Wales must be capable of sharing evidence digitally with the CPS and the courts.

One of the anticipated outcomes that this initiative would lead to was a significant drop in the use of discs as forces move towards lower cost, more secure and faster digital methods of capturing, securely storing and sharing evidence – recordings from Command and Control, body-worn camera feeds, videos and photos, etc.

What I’ve seen in the past 12 months from forces I’ve visited, or spoken with, has been hugely positive. There’s undoubtedly a concerted effort being made by senior officers to push forward the digital evidence agenda.

They’re being driven not just by a mandated obligation (if indeed this remains the case?), but a recognition of the operational rewards it can bring in closing cases quicker and making far better use of scant resources, enabling officers to do what they’re trained to do rather than creating, curating and couriering discs.

Jamie Wilson is Public Safety Marketing Manager (EMEA) at NICE Systems