Police tackle criminal networks from the inside
The country’s first Regional
Prison Intelligence Unit was
launched in the West Midlands
following the signing of a historic
information-sharing agreement
between the region’s police
forces and the Prison Service.
The move is set to see crime
across the region tumble further
as information-sharing protocols
are established, allowing vital intelligence
on high-risk criminals to
flow between the organisations.
For the first time, police officers
will be based within all of
the region’s prisons and work
with prison officers to ascertain
links between inmates and their
contacts – both in and out of prison.
This information may then
be used to infiltrate criminal
networks, mount surveillance
operations and direct the tactics
used by officers in enforcement
operations.
Assistant Chief Constable
Suzette Davenport of West
Midlands Police said: “The work
of the Regional Prison Intelligence
Unit will ensure that information
on high-risk offenders is
pooled so that a more accurate
intelligence picture is gained.
“This enhanced insight into
the region’s criminal networks
will allow us to ascertain links
between prisoners and their
contacts, both in and out of
prison, and improve our ability to
prevent and detect crime.”
Sue McAllister, regional manager
for HM Prison Service, said: “HM Prison Service is delighted
to be working with the four police
forces of the West Midlands in
this UK first. I believe that by
forming this unique alliance, we
are best able to safeguard the
public and further reduce rates
of reoffending.” The launch took place at the
West Midlands Police Learning
and Development Resource Centre
in Birmingham and was attended
by BCU commanders, prison
governors and intelligence staff
from across the region.
As part of the informationsharing
agreement, those who
attended the launch will continue
to meet to identify the criminal
networks that will be investigated
and discuss the nature of the
intelligence required to stop their
illegal activities.
There are 12 prisons participating
in the initiative and the
police forces involved are Staffordshire,
Warwickshire, West
Mercia and West Midlands.
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