U.K crime victims asked to use Skype to speak to police as cuts bite

Crime victims are being asked to contact police on Skype instead of having officers visit their home to take a statement - in what has been labelled a “retrograde step” by critics. The move into “virtual policing” is part of a trial launched by Cambridgeshire Police, and the force says it will free up more time for officers to conduct neighbourhood patrols. Under the new regime being tested in Peterborough, home visits will only be made “where necessary” and victims will be encouraged to call 101, use Skype, or visit their local police station instead.

This is such a retrograde step - but when budgets are slashed by millions ‘virtual policing’ is going to be the norm.

Former officer Clive Chamberlain

Former officers say such measures could soon become the norm as budgets are being “slashed by millions”. But Cambridgeshire Police believes it will improve response times for victims of crime as well as provide greater flexibility for getting in touch, with appointments available from 8am to 10pm seven days a week. Such an initiative was proposed by the then deputy chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, Ian Hopkins, last year - who also suggested Facebook could be used to report crimes to police.

This initiative will bring the police more in line with other services, such as doctors’ surgeries, and as with the health service our emergency response will be there when required

Superintendent Melanie Dales

Europe police Skype