Groundbreaking technology boosts MPS’s fight against VAWG

A trial of the first-of-its-kind device, known as Project Archway, allows officers to better assess victims’ injuries, which the MPS says is “a game-changing development” in the ongoing efforts to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Previously, officers often faced challenges in capturing visible evidence of bruising – particularly on darker skin tones or during early stages of injury. This could limit evidential strength at the charging stage. Now, with Project Archway, this critical gap is being closed

The innovative handheld device, developed in-house by the MPS, uses a technique called cross-polarisation to dramatically enhance the visibility of injuries, particularly bruises that may not appear clearly to the naked eye.

Crucially, the technology helps to overcome disparities in how bruising appears on different skin tones, ensuring that victims of all backgrounds receive equal chances of obtaining justice.

“This is not just about visibility – it’s about viability in court.,” said the MPS. “Clearer images help investigators build stronger files, support Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) charging decisions, and give courts the visual evidence needed to hold perpetrators accountable.”

The technology is already improving justice outcomes – of 33 uses during a pilot in South London, 45 per cent have resulted in charges, with several others under investigation.

With this innovation, the MPS becomes the only force in the UK to develop and deploy this kind of frontline equipment to strengthen evidence, support victims from the first police contact, and help bring violent perpetrators to justice.

“These results reflect the device’s power to turn what was once anecdotal or unseen into compelling, admissible evidence. It enables frontline officers to gather forensic-grade material within minutes of first contact,” the MPS said.

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “We have made big strides in protecting women and girls from predatory men – and this new device is a bold symbol of that transformation.

“Compared to three years ago, our charge rate for offences for violence against women and girls offences has tripled, and we’re going after the most dangerous individuals through our V100 programme. Women in London are better protected, and this is reflected in the trust gap between men and women closing.

“These improvements are a credit to our people – to their empathy, determination, and courage as they take on these heartrending cases day after day.

“The Met is leading nationally on innovation that puts victims first. We are the only police service to develop this kind of frontline technology, and we’re already seeing how it strengthens evidence, builds trust, and ensures victims feel seen and heard from the moment they report abuse.”

Cross-polarisation has long been used by forensic imaging specialists – but Project Archway is the first time it has been integrated into a simple, handheld tool for frontline police officers.

The technology eliminates glare on the skin and enhances visual contrast, especially important for identifying bruises on different skin tones and early-stage injuries invisible to the naked eye.

The device has undergone ethical scrutiny and wide consultation, including input from the CPS, Black Police Association, and the MPS Ethics Board. Officers were specially trained prior to use and can use the device only with full consent from victims, ensuring it is an investigative aid, and that the victim remains at the heart of every interaction.

The unveiling of the technology on Tuesday (July 1) comes as the MPS publishes its three-year progress report on tackling VAWG, a comprehensive plan of reform, action, and cultural change across the force.

In 2024 alone, more than 123,000 VAWG-related crimes were reported to the MPS. In response:

• The force has more than doubled arrests and charges for rape and serious sexual offences, thanks in part to the national Operation Soteria pilot;
• Charge rates for rape and sexual violence have improved to 9.9 per cent, demonstrating real change in the way cases are investigated and prosecuted.
• More than 20,000 officers have been trained in trauma-informed response; and
• The launch of My Met Service, a digital platform for victims to track their case and access support, is giving survivors more transparency and control.

The V100 programme, a targeted effort to pursue the most dangerous offenders, has already resulted in more than 129 convictions and 154 serious charges, including rape and attempted murder.

The V100 list of the most harmful offenders is updated each month, and the programme has more than doubled the risk of arrest for the most harmful violence against women and girls suspects compared with before the initiative existed.

Around three quarters of those on the V100 stack are accused of rape and multiple sexual assaults, as well as murder.

To date:

• A total of 154 people have been charged with 802 offences, including rape, grievous bodily harm (GBH), non-fatal strangulation and attempted murder;
• 177 arrests have been made for a total of 1724 offences; and
• 127 of those relate to VAWG – 50 for rape, 20 for GBH and 17 for non-fatal strangulation.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Ben Russell, the MPS’s Director of Intelligence and V100 lead, said: “The level of violence directed at women and girls in London is unacceptable. Project Archway shows how we are innovating to respond to this crisis – not just with more officers, but with better tools, better evidence, and better care. Technology like this can change the outcome of a case, and more importantly, the life of a survivor.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “The forensic technology unveiled today is a game-changer it is the first in the country and is already improving justice outcomes for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. This cutting-edge technology will be rolled out across London and is the latest milestone in the Met’s action – backed by record funding from City Hall – to rebuild trust and bring more perpetrators to justice.

“From the Met’s V100 action arresting and convicting perpetrators who pose the greatest risk to women and girls, to strengthened teams of specialist officers and staff working to support victims of domestic abuse, rape and sexual violence – it’s clear the Met’s approach to tackling VAWG is improving. But there is more to do, and I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that ending violence against women and girls is treated with the utmost urgency both by our police and society as a whole to build a safer London for all.”

Minister for Safeguarding and VAWG Jess Phillips added: “I welcome police forces using every lever at their disposal to support victims from all backgrounds and ensure perpetrators face justice.

“It’s essential that these crimes are treated with the utmost seriousness. By doing so, we can build communities where people feel safer and deliver on our mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.”

Christabel Yeboah, chief executive officer of support service HERSANA, welcomed innovations such as Project Archway and its potential to transform how bruising and injury evidence is documented in cases of VAWG, adding: “For the black survivors we support, whose injuries are too often overlooked or dismissed due to skin tone and systemic bias, this technology presents a critical opportunity to improve both recognition and response.

“But technology alone cannot fix systems that have long failed survivors. Tools like this must be implemented alongside survivor-led consent protocols, meaningful community consultation, anti-racist practice and robust accountability. Only then can trust begin to be rebuilt and justice truly served.”

One officer who has used the technology said: “Overall I have found that Archway has proved a fantastic tool that’s convenient, quick and simple to use. Victims themselves have commented about the clarity of injury under archway. I would say it has certainly helped secure more charges.”

Another officer added: “I think this is a great invention and addition to front line police and would like to see it get to the point where it can either be personal issue or one in every vehicle. The images I was able to capture really highlighted the injuries caused to a young child, the initial pictures of the victim showed reddening and slight bruising but after using the device it showed the true extent of the injuries.”

The MPS said it will now expand the trial of Project Archway across additional boroughs, custody suites, sexual assault referral centres, and forensic teams. The aim is to determine where the device delivers the greatest value — with the longer-term goal of rolling it out more widely across London.

The technology is already being explored for post-mortem investigations and other forensic applications, broadening its potential even further.

“As the Met continues to reform its approach to VAWG, Project Archway stands as a clear example of the force’s new direction – one rooted in innovation, equity and survivor-focused policing,” the force said.