POLICE call handlers are set to use the latest technology to create a greater picture of members of the public getting in touch.

Thames Valley Police, alongside Hampshire Constabulary, is to share a £2m government grant to improve contact with callers.

The new project is likely to see non-emergency call handlers given technology that will identify a person’s location and their history with the force.

The technology could also analyse speech and text and warn the force if the person is likely to be vulnerable.

Chief Superintendent Amanda Pearson, the business executive of the programme, said: “The fact that Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary already have a joint technology department allows us to work together to get the best from new technologies and innovation.

“Officers and staff will have information at their fingertips about the person contacting us and their location which will ensure they can make an informed assessment of the incident and provide the most effective response.”

The two forces can have the money from the Home Office providing they pledge the same amount to the scheme themselves.

The £2m has been awarded from the Home Office’s £50m annual Police Innovation Fund.

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