Crime Alerts by Text are Latest Addition to Police Messaging Service

People with disabilities who have joined Gloucestershire Constabulary`s text messaging service will soon be sent crime updates and news of police initiatives as the groundbreaking scheme expands.

The innovative facility, supported by Telefonica O2, currently lets users text a special number to report non-emergency incidents, provided they are registered with the police SMS (Short Message Service).

But from October this year the 200 users will also have bulletins texted to them by police on topics such as road traffic problems, crime alerts, and new services.

Sgt Mark Woodward, of the Control Room, said: “This is about public reassurance and reduction of the fear of crime. For example, we might be sending out messages about cold callers in an area who are targeting people with disabilities.”

Since it began in 2006 the service has proved a vital tool for users. It was first marketed at the hearing impaired.

But it is now aiming at the wider disabled community, for example those with visual and speech impairments and people with learning and anxiety difficulties.

Anyone whose capacity to make `voice` telephone calls is limited, is encouraged to register.

Sgt Woodward added: “The feedback on the service so far has been great. Some of the best news we`ve had has come from the Children and Young People`s Directorate.

“Carers for young adults who, naturally, can be very protective, can now allow those in their charge to go out with their friends and have fun, safe in the knowledge that this tool provides extra security.

“It has also enabled students from the National Star College to feel much safer when they are going out.

“What we want to do now is keeping pushing this out to a wider range of people in the disabled community. It`s not just about those with hearing impairment. It can be very useful to someone with MS, a temporary stroke victim, or someone who suffers with acute anxiety.

“We`ve been able to tailor out service at local level, driven and designed by their requests.

“With the expanding facility, this is an ideal time for people register with us and get improved access to our services.”

If you or someone you know could benefit from this service then more information can be found at www.gloucestershire.police.uk, or email us at sms@gloucestershire.police.uk (Printed literature is also available).