Welfare Support Vehicle to make collision investigation team more effective
It's kitted out with everything investigators will need
A new welfare support van is going to help the Serious Collision Investigation Team (SCIT) at Wiltshire Police to be more effective.
The van, which is kitted out with wi-fi, a desk, chairs, microwave, kettle and a bathroom, was funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner at a cost of £23,000.
Legislation changes relating to serious and fatal collisions mean investigation work at the scene can take excess of 12 hours.
Sergeant Rich Hatch, SCIT Manager at Wiltshire Police, said the vehicle was needed to help staff carry out their job in a safe environment.
He said: “We needed a vehicle that could provide us with a place to work in and also obviously facilities for officers.
“We’re going to be at the scene for a very long time to be able to, you know, refresh themselves and also look after their own personal selves.”
Goodbye to working cramped up in a police car
Sgt Hatch explained to us that the vehicle will enable investigators to work more effectively.
Previously, investigators would be working in a police car, cramped up trying to type a computer that’s propped up against the steering wheel.
“Now, with the van, we've got a table, chairs, facilities to work and where it's comfortable,” Rich said, while it also provides shelter from weather, whether it been heat, rain, or cold.
And it allows investigators to cut down paperwork after the event.
“It provides us with the ability to do all the things that we would do back in the office at the scene,” Rich told us.
Investigator welfare the priority
But the most significant benefit, according to Rich, is the welfare of officers.
“It does give us efficiencies,” Rich said, “but it’s more to do with the welfare of the officers.
“They need to be fit and capable of doing their job, and if you're if you're out scene for 12 or 17 hours, you need to be able to carry out that job in a safe environment.”