Ascension : From The Inspectors Desk
Submitted by The Islander (Police Ascension) 28.06.2007 (Article Archived on 12.07.2007)
Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Constable Marlene Benjamin to the Detachment.
Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Constable Marlene Benjamin to the Detachment. Marlene is no stranger as she was a member of the Force and has severed on Ascension. She is accompanied by her husband Nicholas, daughters Nicole and Megan. We wish her well during the posting.
To develop the service with a strategic focus, couple with training to keep abreast of innovation and modern technology. It is my intention to engage overseas trainers to develop the officers for the new Financial Year.
The first training session is from Unipar Services in which the SL700 hand held speed laser meter has been acquired. This is a basic course in the operation of the equipment with familiarisation of the technical data. To give you a brief insight of the meter it is design for measuring the speed of a vehicle, moving towards and away from the operator. This equipment is unlike the previous Radar Speed gun, which was a bulky device with various safety tests to be carried out before the actual operation. The power supply was from an external 12volt battery. Modern technology avails itself by incorporating compact devices and more user friendly. This device is hand held, placed within the palm of your hand. In fact it is virtually no bigger than a normal camcorder. The device operates from an internal power supply. Before operating the device all that is require is for the officer to carry out a preliminary check, ensuring that the meter is aimed at a lamppost or a sign post which has only the sky in the back ground and then turning the instrument through 90 degrees or by vertical panning.
There are a variety of ways the device may be held, either single handed, with both hands resting against a fixed surface or brought up to the eye and held against the face. When a target is identified the laser is brought into the viewing position. The operator looks through the Head –Up Display (HUD) and position the aim dot onto the target, holding the laser as steady as possible. When on target a bleeping sound will be heard indicating target response. The fire button is pressed, the instrument will take successive speed readings and when release the last displayed speed will be locked. All of this information will remain on display and can be shown to the motorist. This information can also be down loaded onto the computer and presented as evidential material. Mr Walter Hawkerston from Unipar Services arrived on Monday 25th June to train the officers in the use of the Speed Laser Meter. If you see the officers at the road side using the equipment it will only be for training purposes.
Since1990 we have being using the Lion Alcolmeter SD2 in determining the level of alcohol in the suspect’s breath alcohol concentration (BAC) whereby two specimens are provided for evidential purposes. This can either be done at the scene of an accident or at the Police Station. There was also the disparity of a 15% variance between the two readings which is relied upon for evidence. If the readings are more then 15% the case for prosecution will not succeed. We will be introducing the Intoxilyzer 8000 which will be used at the station. The field test will still remain the same, by using a different type of Lion Alcolmeter. This device illuminates a set of lights, indicating whether the suspect has failed or passed the test. If the suspect fails the test then they will be brought to the station where the final test will be made on the Intioxilyzer. A computer generated printout will be produced for evidential purposes. The 15% variance will no longer applies. Dr Paul Williams from Lion Laboratories will train the officers in its use and technical data. He will arrive in November to connect with the official visit of the Chief of Police. He will also undertake this training in support of St Helena, where they will be introducing this new equipment.
As we have developed links with the Kent Police plans are in hand to have a comprehensive CID Course. The training will be linked to core subjects to develop officers in preparing them as potential investigators. The final phase of the Special Measures equipment has arrived and is in the process of being installed. I’m in contact with the Achieving Best Evidence trainers from the Avon and Somerset Police, where I anticipate refresher training and to train new officers in this field. This should take effect in the latter part of the financial year.
Finally I will be off island from this weekend to the 10 August. Sgt Roberts will act in my capacity as the Officer in Charge and Constable Benjamin appointed to Acting Sergeant. I am sure you will give both officers your support.
Reg Williams
Inspector of Police
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