22-07-2025
PSNI to make video call service for crime victims permanent
A service allowing victims of crime to speak with police officers via video call will become a permanent feature, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has move follows a successful four-week pilot programme, known as Virtual Officer Attendance, which launched in PSNI previously said the introduction of a video call option offers people an alternative to traditional phone calls or in-person visits with police service, delivered by a specialist team at Castlereagh Police Station in Belfast, involves officers who have received dedicated training for virtual engagements.
Victims of crime will be able to choose the video call option instead of a telephone or in-person visit, but in-person attendance at a police station is still available if service allows officers to talk to victims, take statements, and collect digital evidence like photos or videos during a secure video pilot scheme was inspired by a similar scheme launched by Dorset Police in England back in 2023. In setting up the pilot, the PSNI said they worked closely with officers in Dorset in order to launch their own scheme in Northern Ireland.
Requirements for using video call
The victim must be 18 years or older. If the victim is 17 or under, they can still use the service but must have an appropriate adult present during the victim must be involved in a crime where there is no immediate threat, risk, or alleged offender of the reported crime must not be present during the video victim must have access to a smartphone, tablet, or other device with a camera and have access to 4G or Wi-Fi. The service will not use the victim's mobile data allowance, so there is no cost to them.
