COUNCIL workers in Sefton are to be among the first in the country to use Identicom.
September 7th 2005
COUNCIL workers in Sefton are to be among the first in the country to use Identicom.
Traffic wardens, social workers and housing inspectors could soon be wearing the mini transmitters, in the form of identity card holders, to guard them from irate members of the public.
Using mobile phone technology, the "Identicoms" can be activated by the worker discreetly pressing a button when they feel threatened.
The device then phones the council's control room, a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card pinpoints the exact location of the worker, and a hidden microphone starts to relay an audio account of the event.
Control room staff can either send assistance or call emergency services, while verbal threats are recorded for use in court.
Cllr David Martin, Sefton's cabinet member for technical services, said: "This ingenious equipment gives added security and reassurance to lone workers or staff who may be vulnerable toanti-social behaviour.
"Anything which helps protect our front-line staff must be welcomed and it is excellent that Sefton is leading the way with this new technology."
The device, designed by Connexion2, was released in 2004 after two years of research. Warrington-based Bold Communications, which installs and monitors security systems, has supplied Sefton with around 10 Identicoms, each worth £250, for a trial with housing benefit staff.
The system is set to be extended to social services workers later this year, with an aim to adopt it in all council departments in the future.
A spokeswoman for Bold said: "The device was originally designed with the NHS in mind, to protect people like district nurses and midwives.
"They have already been used by traffic wardens in Stoke City Council, but Sefton is one of the first authorities to adopt them. We find that Sefton is not afraid of embracing new technology."
Tony Waterman, from Sefton Security Services, has seen interest in the devices from such potential clients as taxi companies and NHS officials.
He said: "As well as relaying events to our control room, the equipment can also be programmed to send a text message to two mobile phones.
"This technology could eventually help elderly and vulnerable residents as it not only raises an alarm but allows clients to describe their situation while help is sent."
By Graham Davies Daily Post Staff
