Carlisle Security have launched a security at crime scenes service, named “PROSPERO” (Provision of Security Personnel to Enhance Regular Operations).
The guarding firm reports that it has been devised with the co-operation and encouragement of the police and provides a dedicated security service for the use at crime and incident scenes.
Millions of pounds are spent each year securing crime scenes, and thousands of hours of police time is tied up on this work, the firm says. PROSPERO, it is claimed, offers cost savings and the opportunity to release police officers back to public policing duties. Unlike previous thinking, the firm adds, it will not be a "bolt-on" to a manned guarding contract or attempt to use security officers called in to assist in an emergency.
What they say
"Using security officers without specialised training could do more harm than good," said Paul Trendall, Carlisle Security’s Commercial Director. "The risk of contaminating a crime scene and ruining an investigation because under-skilled officers have been deployed is too great. Only a dedicated, and highly skilled security team will do."
The firm adds that it has taken more than a year to develop PROSPERO to launch stage, including many hours spent with the police listening to their needs. Every chief and deputy chief constable in the UK now has a copy of the final project report, the firm adds. Carlisle Security says it is in discussion with a number of constabularies about setting up pilot schemes to test operational effectiveness.
