Dorset Police say new video chat system is resulting in quicker arrests and more offenders going through courts

A new video chat system has led to quicker arrests and more offenders being charged or cautioned, say Dorset Police.

Enhanced Video Response (EVR), which was launched in July last year as part of a trial, enables people reporting crimes to speak to officers remotely.

It has proved such a success that it is now being rolled out nationally.

Since being introduced, around 165 victims of crime per week have opted to use the facility, which can be particularly helpful when someone does not want a police officer or vehicle attending their home.

Chief Superintendent Stewart Gates said: “Enhanced Video Response has quickly become a vital platform to deliver victims of crime greater choice in how they engage with us.

“So far, incidents that have been dealt with by our EVR team have resulted in an arrest or formal suspect interview almost four times higher than elsewhere in the force, with investigations leading to a positive outcome, such as an offender being charged or given a caution, being more than three times higher.

“The aim of this initiative is to improve the service we provide to victims while enhancing the effectiveness of our investigations. We are really pleased about the positive feedback we have received, with 89% of victims saying they would opt for EVR again and recommend it to others.”

A victim who has used the new system described feeling “very vulnerable and anxious” after being stalked.

They said: “I didn’t want to allow a stranger into my home - even a police officer was a traumatic option for me.

“The video call facility was the perfect way to see the officer without having a stranger in my home.”

Chief Superintendent Gates recently led a programme to roll EVR out nationally.

The initiative is just one way Dorset Police has improved the way it deals with victims. Contact officers are now answering more than 94% of 999 calls within ten seconds, and there has been a 20% increase in online crime reports, with 101 calls being answered in just over a minute.

Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “When I came into office, I had victims contact me and tell me about delays in the system, and now thanks to Enhanced Video Response (EVR), responses to the highest-grade emergency calls are improving.

“EVR also delivers better value for money for the taxpayer, with increased efficiency, better use of officer time and a reduction in vehicle costs, as well as fuel and maintenance. These savings are then being invested back into the frontline.”