Using community information systems to tackle crime

Police forces and local authorities are targeting ways of improving community involvement to help to prevent and reduce crime.

Leicestershire Constabulary was one of the first forces in the country to use a system called VC Relay which enables organisations such as the police, Trading Standards, Neighbourhood Watch and emergency planning departments within councils to contact large numbers of the public in a matter of moments via text, email or voicemail messages.

“Communication is an important element in both preventing and solving crime,” explained Inspector Mark Chell of Leicestershire Constabulary. “If we are able to alert large numbers of the public to scams or illegal activities in their region as they occur, people become more vigilant. Effective communication and feedback to neighbourhoods is essential to maintain confidence in communities.”

Last week, Leicestershire Constabulary hosted a best practice seminar for government bodies concerned with disseminating urgent information to the public.

It was co-hosted by integrated communication specialist Voice Connect, which designed and developed the VC Relay system.

Used by police forces and local authorities across the UK, VC Relay is a PC-based communications solution that enables organisations to instantly send out messages via email, text or voicemail to large numbers of people.

“The VC Relay Best Practice event was a first for agencies aiming to share best practice about integrated communication systems,” said Insp Chell.

The programme included user workshops on communicating more effectively with target groups and speeches from key personnel involved in using VC Relay, including Insp Chell from Leicestershire Constabulary, Roger Mapleson from Warrington Trading Standards Authority and Peter Guillaume from Warwickshire Constabulary, who helped to develop the technology in partnership with Voice Connect.