The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 23, Number 10 | Page 20
Development Case Study
Features and benefits
In July 2013, a fire broke out in a plastic and paper recycling
plant in Smethwick, West Midlands, UK. The nature of
the information provided by the first caller meant that
only a small-scale response was mobilised by West
Midlands Fire Service (WMFS). However, once the
firefighters arrived at the scene they immediately called
for significantly more support.
Secure, one-time-use link sent by text message
Works on any smart device and operating system - using
SMS ensures widest possible take-up - No app required
Real-time live video stream viewable by Dispatcher
Maintains voice contact with caller while images are
transmitted
Ultimately the fire, which involved 100,000 tonnes of
plastic recycling material, produced a 6,000-foot smoke
plume and caused approximately £6million worth of
damage. The incident required the attendance of more
than 200 firefighters.
Still images available in lower signal coverage
Secure cloud-hosted service and ISO27001 Information
Security assurance
Following the blaze, WMFS began to investigate how
they could have dealt with the incident differently. A key
conclusion was that if the information received in the
first 911 call had been more accurate, WMFS could have
provided a more effective response.
Confirms caller location to speed response
Can reduce hoax call mobilisations
Integrates with Command and Control platform
As part of its investigation, WMFS reviewed the large
amount of amateur footage that was taken and posted
on websites such as YouTube. It was concluded that if
this footage had been made available during the incident,
rather than afterwards, it could have helped inform the
response of the emergency. This led to the development
of the 911eye programme.
Share link with responder’s mobile device
Share link with partner agencies
WMFS sought a commercial partner to bring this innovative
approach to market and choose Capita to develop, host
and launch the service that is now in live use at WMFS in
collaboration with its neighboring Fire Services.
Capita Secure Solutions & Services
Methuen Park
Bath Road
Chippenham
Wiltshire SN14 0TW
United Kingdom
[email protected]
www.capita.com
© Capita plc
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