West Midlands Police to trial ‘self-service’ crime reporting platform

West Midlands Police has announced plans to introduce ‘self-service’ crime reporting as part of cost-cutting measures.

Chief Constable David Thompson said online methods of crime reporting for less serious offences was being explored as part of efficiency savings.

However, England and Wales Police Federation chairman Steve White described the proposals as “barmy”.

People will not be forced to use the service, but they will be presented with it as an extra option.

Under the plans, members of the public and small-business owners would be able to submit their own statements for less serious offences such as criminal damage, shoplifting and bilking, where people leave a shop or garage without paying, according to Thompson. As part of their submission they would have the option of uploading digital evidence, such as images captured by their smartphone, to the platform.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said: “We need to be at the cutting edge that enables those who want to be able to report crimes online to do so.”

Vulnerable victims would be directed to 999 or 101 services, he added.

But White said it was another example of chief constables recognising that they do not have the resources to do the basics.

Dave Thompson, left, with police and crime commissioner David Jamieson

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