POLICE, CAMERAS,

ACTION!

POLICE IN HEREFORDSHIRE are introducing state-of-the-art head cam technology to deter crime and disorder across the county.

The specialist camera equipment, which attaches to a headband worn under a helmet, allows for immediate filming of both video and audio while police officers are out on patrol, whether on foot or in vehicles. The technology is aimed at gathering evidence for court as well as providing a deterrent to offenders.

Six head cams are being trailed on Herefordshire Division as part of the Home Office Tackling Violent Crime initiative. Each camera kit costs around £900 and can record up to 160 hours of footage. They have an instant playback screen and footage can also be transferred to a computer or projector at the police station to be viewed at a later date. Every recorded frame is specially ‘watermarked’ and cannot be tampered with.

Superintendent Adam Thomas from Herefordshire Division explained: "The head cams will be used to film anti-social behaviour, alcohol-related disorder and other offences witnessed by officers as they go about their patrols in our town and city centres. They will help to provide clear evidence for the courts and may also help officers to diffuse situations of disorder before they can develop further.

"The cameras are clearly visible when they are worn and the instant playback facility means that officers can easily see again exactly who did what in public disorder situations, as well as showing the offenders themselves the poor level of their behaviour. In many cases this will come as a wake up call and can help situations from deteriorating, especially if those involved know they are being filmed.

"The equipment is also extremely useful for dealing with anti-social behaviour, which can otherwise be difficult to prove, especially to parents who may not believe that their children would behave in this way. Now we can simply show them the footage, as well as having it for evidence at a later date if required," added Supt Thomas.

Officers from the Hereford Response shifts are the first to be trained to use the new equipment, but the cameras will be rolled out for use across the whole of the county in the coming months.

West Mercia Constabulary has teamed up with its neighbouring forces to launch Child Rescue Alert.

Child Rescue Alert is a partnership agreement between the police and media to harness the public’s help in a co-ordinated and timely way if a child has been abducted.

Staffordshire Police, West Midlands Police, West Mercia Constabulary and Warwickshire Police are all signed up to the scheme with the main aim being preservation of a child’s life.

A police force may issue a Child Rescue Alert if an incident fits certain criteria:

• The child is aged under 18 or considered a vulnerable minor
• There is reason to believe the child has been abducted
• There is reason to believe the child is in imminent danger of serious harm or death AND
• There is sufficient information available to enable the public to assist police in locating the child

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Howard Topping, of West Mercia Constabulary, explained: "The scheme is based on an agreement by the media to interrupt local radio and TV programmes with a regular ‘news flash‘ which may include details of the child victim, offender, vehicle and location of incident and ask the public to call police with any vital information. Newspapers can also help by distributing appeals via their websites.

"The speed at which police forces respond is crucial. We hope the public will act as the eyes and ears for us in the community. We obviously hope we never have to use Child Rescue Alert but it’s reassuring to know that it’s available if we need it."

Details of any incident will also appear on the National Missing Persons Helpline website.

The Child Rescue Alert scheme is based on Amber Alert in the USA which was introduced in Texas in 1996 following the abduction and murder of nine year old Amber Hagerman.

In this country, British Transport Police back the system and would assist other forces where necessary.

West Mercia Constabulary deals with approximately 5,000 missing person enquiries a year. Most of those people reported missing turn up safe and well and a large proportion are adults who may have gone missing through their own choice. Media appeals are vital in locating missing people.

11 reports of criminal damage, non-dwelling, one resulting in a fixed penalty notice being issued.

2 reports of criminal damage to a dwelling and 1 report of damage to other property. There were also 3 reports of damage to motor vehicles.

1 report of dangerous driving.

1 theft of property from a garden, 2 theft from commercial premises, 2 theft of pedal cycles and 1 theft of a purse.

1 aggravated vehicle taking and 1 report of a vehicle being taken without consent.

2 incidents of arson at residential properties.

3 attempted burglary, (non-dwelling).

4 incidents of harassment.

8 reports of assault occasioning Actual Bodily Harm, including one where the offender was arrested.

3 cases of Possession of Offensive Weapon, all resulting in arrest.

1 incident of fraud.

1 incident of burglary where cash was stolen and 1 burglary where a mobile phone was taken.

1 making off without payment from a taxi and 1 of making off without payment for fuel.

3 incidents of disorderly behaviour, one resulting in the arrest of the offender.

1 incident of theft of tools.

6 apple trees and supports stolen from a field.

Theft of a handbag at a social event.

1 theft from motor vehicle

1 theft of mobile phone

1 theft of PSP player.

1 report of dangerous driving.

1 incident of criminal damage at a building site.

1 formal warning issued after cannabis was found in a vehicle.

1 theft of property from a dwelling and 1 attempted burglary (non-dwelling).

1 report of theft by employee.

1 report of criminal damage to property.

1 theft of a lorry and 1 theft of a canoe.

1 report of theft from tractor.

1 report of theft of fertiliser from an orchard.

The front counter at Ledbury Police Station operates surgery hours as follows: -

Monday to Sunday 9am to 1pm

Tuesday and Friday 4pm to 7pm

Monday, Wednesday &

Thursday 4pm to 8pm

BUT, the counter will remain open during the afternoons except during sickness or holiday periods.

The counter is closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. All other public Holidays the counter will open 9am to 1pm

Emergency only 999

West Mercia Police 08457 444888

Crimestoppers 0800 555111 Hereford Division Media 01432 347340

Mobile 07967 743147

PC 3441 Deborah HUGGINS, Ledbury RURAL Local Policing Officer, can be contacted on Tel: 08457 444888 and on mobile 07814 554 498 or via email: deborah.huggins@westmercia.pnn.police.uk

Community Support Officer Alison DORE can be contacted on Tel: 08457 444888 and on mobile 07970 602 338 or via email: alison.dore@westmercia.pnn. police.uk

PC 3554 Pete ASKWITH, Ledbury TOWN Local Policing Officer, can be contacted on Tel: 08457 444888 and on mobile 07814 554 496 or via email: peter.askwith@westmercia.pnn.police.uk

Community Support Office Leatte CLARKE can be contacted on tel: 08457 444888 or via email: leatte.clarke@westmercia.pnn.police.uk