Police use video ID parades

Officers used to have to find volunteers for identity parades

New technology has allowed Devon and Cornwall Police to double the number of identity parades carried out and has saved hours of police time.

The new system, known as Promat, uses video film plus an image database.

Before its arrival officers had to find volunteers who resembled a certain description and pay them to attend. Now the police have a database which holds 12,000 video images of volunteers.

The suspect is photographed while he or she is being held. The footage of the suspect is then mixed in with that of a number of volunteers and the film is shown to the witness.

Fees saved

Before its arrival, a third of all parades were abandoned at the last minute because of people dropping out.

Since being introduced, the new system has meant twice as many ID parades going ahead.

The force says police hours saved are the equivalent to 13 officers being put back to other duties. It has also saved about £80,000 in fees.

The new equipment has been installed at four custody centres around Devon and Cornwall.

The force said of its use of technology: "Devon and Cornwall Constabulary is an organisation driven by information and intelligence and we have invested considerably in the technology to manage this valuable resource.

"Such technology has allowed the force to make significant long and short-term savings, by producing efficiency gains and releasing money to support front-line policing in local areas."