Dover Partnership Against Crime Case Study
The Dover Partnership Against Crime (DPAC) was set up over 20 years ago to prevent theft across Dover, Deal, Sandwich, and the surrounding areas. With more than 120 members including retailers, pubs, transport operators and schools, DPAC is one of the most successful business crime partnerships in the country.
The DPAC members were using an analogue network of two-way radios, but DPAC realised that there were multiple issues that were preventing the system from being used to its optimum level. Firstly, there were some concerns over coverage and clarity. The analogue network did not guarantee consistent coverage, and communications were not always clear. However, the primary issue was security. Operating a crime partnership requires communications to be secure at all times, and the analogue network was not encrypted. Therefore, DPAC decided to make the switch to digital.
The Challenge
DPAC contacted local Hytera dealer Smye-Rumsby, who recommended Hytera radios. Each member was therefore supplied with one of Hytera’s latest models, the PD605. Repeaters were set up around Dover, Deal and Sandwich so that coverage could be assured across the whole area.
The PD605 is a latest-generation two-way radio that helps organisations migrate from analogue to digital by providing both modes. Importantly, the radio has advanced signalling and encryption for secure communications, and comes with features such as the emergency buttons, GPS and Man Down as standard.
Feedback has been that the radios are light and not cumbersome and that clarity has been greatly improved. Coverage has also improved, with less drop-out across the town.
The Radios
PD605 - This compact, portable radio delivers a superior voice clarity and integrates well with Hytera applications. It has all the benefits of digital technology, yet it operates equally well in analogue mode.
Easy to use, with a wealth of features, it is suitable for many market sectors including: construction, forestry, manufacture, finance, hospitality and retail.
The PD605 is available in UHF and VHF frequency bands and has advanced signalling and encryption for secure communications.
IP67 rating will ensure the continuity of operation if the radio has been submersed in water.
Built in Pseudo-Trunk, the Hytera proprietary feature, increases the frequency efficiency which is particularly beneficial in emergency situations.
The PD605 comes with GPS and Man Down as standard features for additional security, and there is also a development port to allow for integration of third party applications.
The Solution
Today, DPAC uses the Hytera radios to ensure its members are able to communicate with CCTV operators and alert other members of potential criminal activity. When a shoplifter enters a store, members use the radios to inform CCTV, PCSOs and each other, and upload photos to a secure Shopwatch Whatsapp group. DPAC has also assisted in finding missing persons, with members alerting CCTV operatives.
We’re very pleased with the new radios,” says DPAC’s Karen Griffiths. “We have good transmission, noise cancellation and excellent coverage, but most importantly, our communications are encrypted which is hugely important to the organisation. We’re looking to extend DPAC out to further parts of the Dover area with confidence that we’ll be able to communicate safely and clearly, and help our members prevent crime.
The Benefits
KSAR are now enjoying access to the new network and radios which are proving many benefits to the team in helping to locate vulnerable missing people in kent. One of the key benefits is the ability to remotely manage a deployment, allowing search management staff to interact remotely with teams on the ground. This was an essential part of the requirement as the effectiveness of the response is heavily reliant on the technology that is used. Some of the other benefits that KSAR now enjoy are:
- 4 Discrete, secure channels
- Wide area coverage
- GPS tracking of all search assets
- Rugged and robust radio equipment
- Integration into wide-area networks
- Better voice quality
- Radio-to-radio private calls
What Our Client Said About Us
"We’re very pleased with the new radios, We have good transmission, noise cancellation and excellent coverage, but most importantly, our communications are encrypted which is hugely important to the organisation. We’re looking to extend DPAC out to further parts of the Dover area with confidence that we’ll be able to communicate safely and clearly, and help our members prevent crime."
— Karen Griffiths, Dover Partnership Against Crime