Crimefighting service faces shutdown
SUFFOLK police's crimefighting messaging service will be shut down at the end of the week because of problems with the technology it uses. Police Direct, which provides its 25,000 users with crime advice and information appeals, was first introduced in the west of the county in 2005.
By Jonathan Barnes
SUFFOLK police's crimefighting messaging service will be shut down at the end of the week because of problems with the technology it uses.
Police Direct, which provides its 25,000 users with crime advice and information appeals, was first introduced in the west of the county in 2005.
But the popular free service will not be available after March 31 when the technology supporting the system is shutdown by the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) for financial and contractual reasons.
Suffolk Constabulary said it was working to find a solution so the service can be resumed as soon as possible.
Chief Constable Alastair McWhirter said: “We are extremely disappointed that this innovative and popular service is being suspended - but it is for reasons beyond our control.
Most Read
- 1 15 strikers that Ipswich Town could turn to for goals this summer
- 2 WATCH: 'Unplayable' delivery from Suffolk bowler goes viral
- 3 Plans for 20 homes in Suffolk village unanimously refused
- 4 5 miles of congestion on A14 after crash involving car and two lorries
- 5 Community sadness after death of man who was found in river
- 6 Fire crews tackle blaze for several hours at Suffolk farm
- 7 Woman freed from vehicle after car overturns near to shops
- 8 Family's support for 'mum-in-a-million' after double amputation for sepsis
- 9 Long delays on A14 near Ipswich after police called to hole in the road
- 10 Ipswich Town's 'true league standing' revealed in new survey
“We are constantly looking at ways of improving our service to local people, which is why we chose to be the first force in the country to trial this new system.
“The system was developed in partnership with PITO (Police Information Technology Organisation). But now that this technology is being withdrawn, the service cannot continue at this time.
“It is disappointing that we received official notification of this decision just three days before it is turned off - and no information about how long it might be suspended for.
“However, I would like to reassure people that we will be working to find a solution so that we can re-launch the service in the future.
“Peter Neyroud, Head of the National Policing Improvement Agency, has promised that he will do everything he can to support Suffolk Constabulary which was the pilot site for this innovative and ground-breaking system to find an interim solution.”
