Cutting edge or just cuts? Police want to speak to people on Skype rather than sending officers to victims' homes

1 months ago

Victims of crime are being asked to speak to police on Skype instead of having officers visit their home, as part of a trial aiming to allow more time for neighbourhood patrols.

Here’s everything you need to know about the police’s technological leap forward – or is it?

Why is Skyping being encouraged?

This is basically a measure aimed at cutting down on home visits by police. It’s not really that much about Skype either – although the inclusion of the video chat software gives all this an edge of modernity and progress.

The new policy will also see people encouraged to call up the old fashioned way, or even visit the police station after reporting a crime, with home visits only being made “where necessary”.

Are people happy about this reduction in home visits?

Not particularly. A few outspoken former officers have taken to Twitter, blaming the measure of cuts and heralding “virtual policing”.