We’re improving our technology so we can provide the best service to victims of crime in Warwickshire.

The new technology means we can carry out video diary appointments via a dedicated team of officers seven days a week with appointments on offer from 8.30am to 9.30pm.

Launched in July, the new technology hasn’t changed the way you contact us, but, in many cases, it allows us to provide a faster response than we typically would if officers had to attend in person.

All 999 or 101 calls still go through our call handlers and are assessed by the level of threat and risk to those involved.

Depending on the nature of the incident and if suitable, the caller is offered a video appointment – with the most critical calls taking place within 24 hours and less urgent ones, over the next few days.

The caller is then sent a text message with a link, which they use to speak with the officer at the agreed time.

Working in the same way as a face-to-face appointment, only online, the video diary system gives the member of the public the flexibility to take the call at a time and location that’s convenient for them.

Officers can collect victim and witness statements quickly, efficiently, and any evidence can be submitted securely during the appointment. In many cases, you can confirm and sign your statement at the end of the call.

The new video system is not mandatory – you can still have an officer come to you or travel to a police station – but it’s proved to be highly effective since its implementation.

It’s allowed us to help more victims with almost 2,000 appointments carried out in the first three months – covering everything from domestic abuse to anti-social behaviour and from violence to criminal damage.

A victim of domestic abuse who was contacted using the new video technology praised the system and the officer’s service.

She said: “Thank you for being kind, caring, compassionate and understanding. For supporting me from giving my statement to doing my risk assessment, I don’t know where I would be right now. 

“The officer spoke to me with respect, listened to what I had to say and went above and beyond what I expected. He genuinely shocked me with his compassion and empathy.”

Chief Superintendent Mike Smith, who is head of the force’s Public Contact department, said: “We hope you never need to call us, but if you are a victim of crime, we’ll always be ready.

“There are many advantages to using our video appointment system including not having to travel and getting the same service at a location and time that works for you. You’re also more likely to see an officer sooner and can deal with any follow-up enquiries much more quickly.

“It also means fewer people are waiting for us to attend, while our patrol teams have more time to investigate crime and proactively police our communities.

“Having a dedicated team responsible for organising and carrying out video interviews has proved to be invaluable. The new technology is a real step in the right direction, and we have already had positive feedback from victims who have said it fits in with modern life.

“As a force we want to continually improve, and this video response system is really helping us to do that.”