Thursday, 6 February
2003 - Released by West Mercia Constabulary
"Police
Post" Introducing New Technology to the Community
A
fascinating new technology has been introduced in Gorsley Post Office,
Herefordshire by a local police officer with an inventor's mind. "Police
Post", a noticeboard with a difference, was installed in mid-December
and is already proving a success with local residents.
The
noticeboard is linked direct to Beat Manager PC John Cooper's computer
in Ross Police Station. John, who masterminded the initiative, updates
the information regularly and sends it 'down the line' completely independently
to the screen, which displays inside Gorsley Post Office.
Being
the only shop in the neighbourhood, the post office is a daily hive
of activity, not just for local people, but for those passing through.
The screen provides customers with information on issues such as local
crime, appeals for information, details of missing people, arrests,
Crimestoppers and crime prevention advice. It is also being used to
advertise local group meetings and activity, such as Neighbourhood Watch.
Last month the details of a missing girl were 'posted' on the screen
until she was found, safe and well.
"The screen is a way of getting information out in the community and
it is amazing how many people will talk about what they have read whilst
waiting to buy stamps," said PC John Cooper. "The idea is so simple,
but the technology needed a high level of specialised development. This
vital piece of work was carried out by Skyships, a company run by William
Ives and based in Essex."
A
survey, asking those visiting the store what they think of the new initiative,
has just been carried out. On the whole the comments are extremely positive
- 'an excellent idea', 'it has increased my awareness', 'I feel better
informed on what is happening in my area' and 'fantastic!'.
Post
Office Manager Gordon Martin cannot praise the initiative enough, "I
have heard so many encouraging comments from my customers, in particular
the reassurance they feel knowing that timely information is being 'piped'
direct from Ross Police Station to them." He continued, "The screen
has become rather a focal point to the post office and people will take
another 10 to 15 minutes in the store reading the notices before they
leave."
"Police Post" is the second phase of a project being run by PC John
Cooper to increase public reassurance and reduce the fear of crime across
his beat area. It is aimed at those people in the community without
access to technology in their homes. The first stage - "Electronic Family"
started two years ago and is now up and running successfully. It is
available to anyone with access to an email address in the Ross rural
area. Very simply it is a two-way information service on crime activity
in the area, appeals and advice. Already up to 200 people are in the
scheme.
"Police
Post" has minimal running costs, based on line rental of £4 per month.
Funded by the Herefordshire Community Police Board, it cost £1,500 to
develop and set up, with William Ives' providing his services free of
charge.
PC
Cooper has a keen ambition to develop his project to reach across all
the Ross Rural area. "I am working hard to obtain more cash to fund
the installation of a further nine screens for use in other post offices
and local stores across my beat area. I want to be able to keep those
without access to a computer fully up to speed on police activity and
what we are doing to reduce crime in their area."
ENDS
For further information call Georgie Bates on 07967 743147.