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 19