17 March 2005
The UK's first "virtual" police station is being launched in south Wales, which is hoped will provide a 24 hour policing service.
The kiosk is installed in the police station in Mumbles, and it can be used when the station is shut. Through the internet and a webcam, people can communicate with officers at a manned station.
People can also log lost and found property at the kiosk, as well as emailing their community officer and accessing the force's website.
The virtual station is under CCTV surveillance in order to protect those who feel they are in danger while officers are on their way.
South Wales Police chief constable Barbara Wilding said: "South Wales Police has 114 operational police stations, the vast majority of which were built during a period when people were much less mobile. As a consequence, some of our stations are not where we would put them if we were building them today."
She added: "It is an exciting project that is aimed at enhancing our service provision and I hope this signals the beginning of a new era in the way in which we serve our communities here in South Wales."
The kiosk technology is supported by BT and Paul Hendron, director of BT Payphones, said: "Although the concept of police forces using multimedia kiosks is not new, developing video telephony as part of the offering is.
"Now that this function is available, it will be replicated by constabularies throughout the UK's regions."© DeHavilland Information Services plc
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