Greater Connectivity Between British Police, Residents Enhanced

February 25, 2008 12:08 p.m. EST

London, England (AHN) - The British police is tapping Information Technology to connect better with their neighborhood. Under a $639 million plan, the method of policing will adapt a more local approach. All households in England and Wales will receive a mobile phone number and email address for police assistance.

The plan, to be effective April, will also require police heads to conduct regular public meetings. The new system is under pilot testing at Lambeth, south London.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said, "We know people want more say about their community and a visible and accessible police service that deals with local problems and anti-social behavior. Whilst crime is falling, too many people have a real fear about their communities and feel detached from their police service."

The pilot testing of the new system has led to a 0.9 percent reduction in crime at Lambeth Borough, said Chief Inspector Patrick Beynon.