Hand-held CCTV monitoring device helps keep officers in the picture

South Wales Police is trialling a state-of-the-art hand-held CCTV monitoring device that allows officers to view footage from cameras in their patrol area.

Using the monitoring device, officers can check on a location or incident at the other side of town in an instant, jumping from camera to camera and zooming into specific areas.

The device, together with a portable chest camera, has been funded by the Rhondda Cynon Taf Community Safety Partnership and is being used by Pontypridd beat manager PC Colin Price (pictured right).

The chest-mounted CCTV camera has proved useful for gathering evidence when responding to incidents such as drunken fights and disturbances.

PC Price is also linked to Storenet, the local business radio network, which gives him immediate radio access to shop assistants working throughout the town centre.

The introduction of the technology comes as the £10.5 million Pontypridd Town Centre Regeneration project, spearheaded by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, is almost finished.

“This technology has made me capable of things I’d never really thought possible – it is like being given extra powers and I’m in no doubt it will help me keep people safe,” said PC Price.

“I can literally scan the whole of the town centre in seconds and the chest camera gives me a virtual photographic memory which is vital for gathering evidence.”

The monitor has also proved useful in a number of undercover operations, such as surveillance of suspected drug dealers.

PC Price is part of the broader Pontypridd Town Centre Crime and Disorder Group that was officially launched in 2010 to focus on specific issues that are affecting the community.

The new technology was introduced in early December as part of Operation Crystal Clear to help manage the anticipated upturn in crime during the festive period.

A variety of high-visibility crime-prevention initiatives and undercover enforcement operations targeted crimes such as purse thefts, thefts from vehicles, shoplifting and alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour and assaults.

Phil Bevan, head of Community Safety, said: “It has long been recognised that no one agency can work in isolation and the partnership is about bringing everyone together so we can get to the heart of an issue, establish its causes and then ensure that all agencies which can make a contribution and a difference do so.

“This is another example for how we can take full advantage of state-of-the-art technology for the wider benefit of those who live in and visit Pontypridd.”

If the scheme is successful, it could be rolled out across Wales and the rest of the UK.