Home Office funds new Sussex Police video enabled justice programme

A new video link scheme designed to improve the way police officers give evidence and free up more time for front line duties will be piloted with an £11m government cash injection.

The VEJ project, led by Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, will use a network of high-tech video links in police stations and other buildings so officers can give evidence direct to courts, without the need to travel.

Sussex Police figures show a police officer can spend over 5 hours away from work for each court appearance

As well as saving police time waiting for court proceedings, the pilot will create facilities for vulnerable victims to give evidence away from court, and assist key witnesses who are unable to travel

The funding is part of a £60 million package for police reform and digitisation projects from the Police Transformation Fund (PTF).