Corps Security has a new strategic partnership with Facewatch – the UK online crime reporting and intelligence sharing tool.
The Glasgow-based Corps Monitoring Centre (CMC) is now able to use this software linking CCTV with online incident reporting.
Since launching in 2010 Facewatch has signed protocols in place with 10 UK police forces. The company hopes that every police force will have agreed in principle to use it by the end of 2014. It has Secured by Design status, which is issued by The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).
Simon Gordon, founder and Chairman at Facewatch, said: ‘It is suitable for use in a variety of high footfall areas such as pubs, clubs, shopping centres and other retail environments, sports stadia, concert venues and even locations such as multi-storey car parks and garage forecourts. Crimes such as shoplifting, personal theft and vandalism can be reported instantly online and not only does Facewatch make crime reporting more efficient, it helps improve the conviction rate and effectively deal with repeat offenders.”
After an incident is reported to a CMC operative, Facewatch allows CCTV footage and suspect images to be automatically uploaded to the police, with a (paperless) witness statement. The victim is given a crime reference number and once the incident has been reported it is dealt with by the police who also provide feedback through the system. Regular status reports are then forwarded to the business and victim by the system. Offender images and intelligence can be shared within a user organisation, besides chosen business networks and communities.
Eric Roberts, Corps Security’s CMC business development director, added: ‘We are extremely pleased to be working with Facewatch as part of a collaborative effort to improve standards of crime reporting and intelligence sharing. Our customers stand to benefit enormously from the availability of this innovative tool, as it can be successfully integrated into businesses of any size or complexity and the quality of the CCTV system is such that the evidence uploaded can help secure a prosecution.’
Visit: www.corpssecurity.co.uk.
