Police Enhance Communications With Videoconferencing Project

A videoconferencing project, launched as part of the Home Office’s National Intelligence Model, designed to enhance the gathering and dissemination of intelligence by police forces across the UK, is revolutionising communications across a county police force.

Using state-of-the-art videoconferencing systems, supported by a range of peripheral equipment, the project is already having a dramatic effect in improving communications throughout the force.

Before the project went ‘live’, months of detailed evaluation was undertaken to identify the best model possible. This involved discussions with international pharmaceutical giant Pfizer – who depend on videoconferencing technology globally – to benchmark the systems used and the benefits experienced by Pfizer against the objectives and expectations of senior offices from the force.

Internal data was also gathered, examining the time and cost implications of meetings and intelligence briefings involving officers and civilian employees from across the force. Data indicated that compared with the cost of lost opportunities, and the travelling costs to and from meetings per person, videoconferencing could realise a cost saving of 2:1.

Another consideration was the set-up and layout of rooms chosen for the videoconferencing equipment. During site visits to all the buildings involved, intricate details of lighting and décor were drawn up.

Once all this information had been gathered and analysed, and clear specifications and objectives drawn up, the force using the OGC approved Gcat framework agreement nominated Direct Visual to manage the supply and installation of the equipment. Direct Visual continues to provide after-sales care and support through a detailed training programme for users, and immediate access to advice and guidance from technical engineers through Direct Visual’s helpdesk.

A force spokesman explains the usage of the videoconferencing systems and the benefits the technology has helped the force achieve.

The spokesman comments: “The videoconferencing equipment is used every morning, five days per week to link our three borough police teams together. We can review our performance over the past 24 hours and discuss crime priorities or any required changes in policing tactics.

“Everyone has adapted to the new technology and after the initial novelty factor people quickly realised that this is an extremely effective way of conducting our business.”

The spokesman adds: “Videoconferencing has helped achieve a real sense of inclusiveness, with representatives from the three boroughs feeling much closer and involved.

“As well as this it has had a dramatic impact on travel and time costs. Each time we meet we are saving up to 15 hours in Inspectors’ travel and personal costs.”

The Project Manager involved in the pilot scheme concludes: “I am delighted in the way in which videoconferencing has been welcomed and adopted by staff. It has now become part of every day business of the division.

“We are so delighted with the results and savings which videoconferencing provides, that the force is planning to roll videoconferencing out to all divisions and boroughs in the coming year”