New video link will enable police officers to give evidence without attending court

Devon and Cornwall Police is leading the way with new technology, which will allow police officers to give evidence without attending court.

The Force is introducing Live Links, which enables officers to provide testimony over a secure video link to any court in the country without leaving the station.

The new technology, which will save valuable police hours and money, is being installed in custody departments at Torquay, Barnstaple and Camborne.

The initiative launches on Tuesday 17 September at Torquay Magistrates’ Court, when a PC will give evidence on a driving offences case via the video link.  A second case is listed for trial in Blackpool, when police officer and civilian witness will give their evidence via a link from Barnstaple.

Devon and Cornwall is one of 13 areas across England and Wales to launch the scheme, which is designed to free up officer time for to carry out frontline duties, rather than travelling to and from court.

The courts, Crown Prosecution Service and defence solicitors will make a decision about whether Live Links is appropriate when setting the trial date at court. If deemed inappropriate, police officers will attend court in the usual way.

Nationally, over the last 12 months, an estimated 75,000 video appearances took place during criminal cases resulting in savings in transport costs and a reduction in prisoner movements. An estimated 300 valuable police hours were saved through Live Links.

Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer, chair of the Devon and Cornwall Criminal Justice Board, said: “The Live Links initiative in Devon and Cornwall is being run by the local Criminal Justice Board in partnership with the police, magistrates’ courts, Crown Prosecution Service and youth offending teams.  I am delighted that we are able to work in partnership with these agencies and use innovative technology designed to improve our services to the public and increase police efficiency.”

Tony Hogg, Devon and Cornwall Police Crime Commissioner, said: “Devon and Cornwall is the first area in the South West to run Live Links. The scheme provides officers with the opportunity to give their best evidence and return to duty more quickly, saving the Force time and money.”

Andrea Torode, Head of Criminal Business (SW) for Her Majesty’s Court and Tribunals Service, said: “I am pleased that the criminal justice agencies in Devon and Cornwall have agreed to introduce Live Links.  Increasing the use of video technology helps to improve the efficiency of the courts and provides a modern and valuable service to our police colleagues.”