The new partnership is aimed at sharing technology such that businesses and the public have the option to pass on crime information anonymously through Crimestoppers.
Sir Hugh Orde, president of the Association of Chief Police Officers, said: “Crimestoppers is well loved by the public and also provides a great service for law enforcement across the UK. As a charitable organisation it relies on support from donations and help from a wide range of volunteers. The opportunity to gain access to the latest technology through partnering with Facewatch is a great move, and one which I applaud and support wholeheartedly. Through ACPO, the UK police forces will engage fully with both organisations in the ongoing fight against crime.”
Facewatch founder and executive chairman Simon Gordon added: “The fundamental aim of Facewatch is to reduce low level crime using the very latest Internet technology which empowers businesses, the public and the police to work together.”
He continued: “I’m delighted to be working in partnership with Crimestoppers and ACPO to create a lasting and trusted solution. This new partnership gives us added confidence in our core strategy of building an open system accessible to all those in the private and public sector, in turn enabling them to work together collaboratively to create safer communities.”
Independent crime-fighting charity
Crimestoppers is the independent crime-fighting charity that operates the 0800 555 111 phone number which can be used to pass on information about crime anonymously. The public can also give information anonymously via the organisation’s website.
Around 22 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers.
Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received over a million actionable calls, resulting in over 117,000 arrests and charges.
Over GB pound 124 million worth of goods have been recovered and drugs seized worth upwards of GB pound 271 million.
In 2005, Crimestoppers launched ‘The UK’s Most Wanted’ campaign on its website, allowing the public to view images of criminals and pass on vital information about their whereabouts. The campaign has been highly successful, with over 1,700 arrests to date.
Co-ordination of strategic policing response
The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) is an independent, professionally-led strategic body. ACPO leads and co-ordinates the direction and development of the police service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In times of national need, on behalf of all chief officers ACPO co-ordinates the strategic policing response. The Association brings together the expertise and experience of chief police officers from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, providing a professional forum to share ideas and Best Practice, co-ordinate resources and help deliver effective policing which keeps the public safe.
Reporting low level criminality online
Facewatch was founded in March 2010 and is the only police-approved system for businesses wishing to simply and quickly report low level crime to the police online. Facewatch crime reporting is a free service to businesses and police and provides an open platform solution and a standard interface between police and the business sector.
Currently operating in six of the major UK police forces, the Facewatch system is being adopted across more forces rapidly as its success in reducing costs and assisting in solving crimes is recognised.
Facewatch has also recently launched a highly successful free mobile App, Facewatch ID, for the identification of police issued images by the public using postcode proximity. Images are supplied and uploaded directly by the police.
This service is currently available in London and Surrey.