Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mike Penning and Lucy Allan

Monday 12th October 2015 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Allan (Telford) (Con)]

10. What steps local police forces are taking to lead innovation in policing.

[The Minister for Policing, Crime and Criminal Justice (Mike Penning)]

The 43 forces around the country are empowered to bring forward innovation and different ideas. The integrated public contract command and control system that West Mercia and Warwickshire police have developed with the Hereford and Worcester fire and rescue services is an example of that, and it was partly paid for by the police innovation fund.

[Lucy Allan]

I thank the Minister for his reply. My constituency is home to a business called SmartWater, which has pioneered forensic marking technology. This innovative technology helps the police to prevent and detect crime. Does he agree that a collaborative approach between the public and the police to encourage the marking of property could revolutionise policing in the UK?

[Mike Penning]

I am very aware that the Home Secretary visited my hon. Friend’s constituency and this excellent company with her in 2013. In my constituency, SmartWater is particularly being used in rural areas to protect very valuable agricultural plant—this is about not only prevention, but tracking it after it has been stolen.