VIDEO interviews are reducing emergency response times and improving arrest rates in Essex – thanks to the continued work of the Rapid Video Response Team (RVR) claim Essex Police.
A spokesperson said: “RVR is a victim-focused investigative tool first rolled out in 2023, working alongside call handlers in our Contact Management Command, which provides another way for domestic abuse victims to report an incident without having to come to a police station or have officers visit their home in a marked police car.
Victims supported by the team have said they appreciated having someone to speak to so quickly, not being rushed on the call, and having the option to speak at home without attending a police station, which can often feel intimidating.
Since the team started work in March 2023 they have delivered 4,500 video consultations.
In addition, they have also delivered over 700 Claire’s Law (Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme) disclosures using the calls.
They have also supported our officers with providing translators virtually and taking accounts during searches for missing people.
“Not only do these save time, we estimate that every 1,000 consultations saves about £50,000 in officer hours and policing resources, which means the team has saved Essex Police more than £200,000 since March 2023”.
Detective Chief Inspector Clayton Ford said: “The success and effectiveness of this team cannot be overstated: more than 95% of victims of domestic abuse who have used this team are happy with the service we’ve provided.
“As long as the caller is in a safe location, RVR can reduce mean we can respond effectively to incidents of domestic abuse in less than three minutes.
“Arrest rates and solved rates are also higher in incidents where we’ve collected accounts from victims this way. The force is always working to improve the service we provide to victims and the RVR Team have continued their fantastic work in 2024.”
How does RVR work?
Call handlers first make sure a victim is safe to engage with the RVR Team via video call and that no suspect is present at their property.
Then, the RVR co-ordinator checks they are able to carry out the call via a link that can be sent to the caller’s device.
Through the link, victims will speak to a specialist member of the RVR Team who can:
• take the victim’s account of the incident;
• provide safeguarding advice or make safeguarding referrals;
• remotely collect evidence such as screenshots or photos of injuries; and
• create an investigation using the information collected.
• This process means there is an officer in contact with a caller from start to finish, and evidence can be collected as quickly as possible after an incident.
The faster we can gather evidence, the stronger it is when used to prosecute suspects of domestic abuse.
‘You will have our undivided attention’
DCI Ford added:
“The service team offers is focused on supporting victims of domestic abuse in their time of need.
“We have a team of police officers that are dedicated to dealing with domestic abuse incidents and have been trained to provide appropriate support and advice.
“Victims opting to use this service can be put through to a police officer on our team immediately and from the comfort of their own home or place of safety through a video consultation.
“The process is easy to navigate, does not require the victim to install any apps or software, and they will have the undivided attention of an officer who is there to listen, support and record any details required.”
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