Police video response provides faster and better investigations

A new video response technique has shown significant reduction in police demand and better investigative outcomes, allowing forces to spend more time fighting crime.  

An evaluation of a trial of the Enhanced Video Response (EVR), in which police respond to certain reports with secure video calls, showed that it reduced average response times by more than three days (78.6 hours). Officers using EVR also achieved higher investigative standards, with incidents handled through video response scoring 10.8% higher on combined investigative measures than traditional responses.

EVR was trialled in Avon and Somerset Police following a successful pilot with Dorset Police, and the College of Policing’s Centre for Police Productivity is now supporting more forces to use the practice. 

In the system calls into the police are risk-assessed and, where appropriate, victims are offered the option of a virtual response. Specially trained officers then conduct video calls, gather evidence, and progress investigations as appropriate. Cases can then referred back to patrol teams where necessary – for instance where physical evidence needs to be collected.  

The evaluation of the trial in Avon and Somerset, published today by the College of Policing, showed a number of other marked benefits:  

• Overall case duration was shortened by more than a week, freeing up more time and resources.  

• Officer wellbeing also improved, with most officers using EVR reporting lower stress and greater job satisfaction, while victims appreciated the flexibility, speed and privacy offered by video calls.  

• Over the course of a year, the pilot areas saw benefits amounting to over £110,000, mainly due to time saved by officers not having to travel to the incidents. 

• Reductions in vehicle use also allowed for greater victim privacy, especially in situations where the presence of visible police could further aggravate a situation.  

The College of Policing is continuing to support forces as they adopt new ways of working, ensuring that innovations like EVR continue to deliver faster, more effective support for communities across the country. 

Nerys Thomas, Director at the College of Policing, said: “The Enhanced Video Response tool is a win-win for both victims and for police forces, providing a flexible and efficient alternative to in-person attendance.  

“Responding to appropriate cases with video calls allows police to reach victims more quickly, results in better-quality investigations, and crucially frees up more time for officers to be on the streets fighting crime.  

“The Centre for Police Productivity is helping police forces across England and Wales to embrace technology, such as EVR, to become faster, more efficient, and provide a better service for the public.”