Local policing team protecting the vulnerable with SmartWater tech

Officers from the South Staffordshire local policing team (LPT) are supporting vulnerable members of the community with forensic technology.

The idea, which was first used by South Yorkshire Police, delivers an additional layer of protection to victims, enabling them to forensically mark important areas and items in their homes to help identify perpetrators.

The technology is then used by police to link offenders to the scene of the crime and bring them to justice, with research showing that 80 per cent of those who used SmartWater products reported feeling safer, with 95 per cent recommending it to others.

Chief Inspector Chris Cotton, of the South Staffordshire LPT, said: “Officers remain committed to actioning community priorities and tackling domestic abuse in our region.

“Since we introduced the forensic technology, we have received positive feedback from those at-risk, who now feel safer in their homes as a result.

“Importantly, we have received no reports of repeat incidents involving SmartWater, meaning it has served as a successful deterrent in South Staffordshire.

“Specialist officers continue to provide bespoke support alongside this new technology, including partners like New Era and Women’s Aid, who remain dedicated to protecting vulnerable members of our community.”

(above: Chief Inspector Chris Cotton)

Recent statistics revealed that SmartWater technology maintains a 100% conviction rate in contested court cases, which Gary Higgins, Director of SmartWater Technology, credits to its “powerful proof of effectiveness in linking perpetrators to the scene of their crime”.

It is one of the many ways in which Ch Insp Cotton and his LPT continue to action the concerns of the community.

He added: “Tackling domestic abuse is a priority for the South Staffordshire LPT and we will continue to work collaboratively with our key partners and the community to protect those at risk and to bring offenders to justice.”