Police trial new equipment which could help find missing people around Bedfordshire

The equipment is used for in missing person searches.

As part of a six-month trial, firefighters will assist police officers searching for missing people..

The devices are usually used to search for hot spots or people in smoke filled rooms, but thanks to this latest initiative it has been given a dual purpose of being able to pick up heat signals from a missing person, saving vital time and resources during any search.

PCC Holloway said: “Using this fascinating technology designed for one specific purpose, in a wholly innovative way is a fantastic example of how co-working between the Police and the Fire and Rescue Service in Bedfordshire put us at the forefront of collaboration and is another example of what is arguably the most extensive partnership between police and fire in the country.

“This collaboration is part of a wider Blue Light Integration Project with the emergency services in Bedfordshire maximising resources and improving efficiencies that is producing real benefits for the people of this county.”

Service Operational Commander, Ian Evans, added: “In partnership with Bedfordshire Police, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescues Service were requested to assist in the searching for missing and vulnerable people on nine occasions in 2016, we are happy to report that on each occasion the individual was found safe and well.”