Drink and drug-driving campaign goes hi-tech

The Metropolitan Police Service’s (MPS) latest anti-drink and drug-driving campaign in London will be the first to see the widespread use of major new technology to capture breath test results.
The new electronic screening devices (ESDs) are highly-sophisticated systems capable of specific, sensitive readings and will record additional information that has not been possible electronically in the past, such as age and location. This could help to provide a clearer profile of offenders in the future.
Although the systems have been in use for several months, this is the first campaign where they are to be used by all officers from the MPS traffic unit. The roll-out will continue across the boroughs over the coming months.
•Merseyside Police officers in Liverpool South basic command unit (BCU) are using personal digital assistants (PDAs) to deliver key messages via Bluetooth to the community as part of a public awareness information service.
PC John Erskine of the alcohol and tobacco unit said: “The force already uses bluetooth devices to send out messages, but the PDAs will make this process easier to manage. It means a message can be delivered while an officer is on patrol, reaching more people and making better use of the officer’s time.
•The FriskerPro wrist-worn metal detector from Showcomms is currently available at £138, not £200 as stated in last week’s issue.