In depth research programme on the impact of TETRA radios used by police officers

According to the news website Policeoracle.com thre will be an in-depth research programme examining the possible impact Airwave has on officers will determine whether there are health risks associated with using the technology.

The 12 year study being conducted by the Imperial College of London follows a two year pilot of officers from West Midlands and Lancashire where researchers examined the relationship between those using the technology and their psychological wellbeing and cognitive function.

The results of the £5million pilot commissioned by the Home Office were published at the same time as Airwave was rolled out to forces in England and Wales in 2005.

Following the report on the pilot, it was decided that only a large-scale study, looking at large numbers of people and following their health for several years, will determine whether or not there may be a health risk associated with TETRA radio use.

The study involves the health screening and questioning of a selection of officers from all forces in the UK as well as the monitoring of the amount of exposure each officer has to Airwave through monthly downloads of data.

So far more than 34,800 officers have been screened out of 41,600 registered participants - and researchers hope to screen and question 100,000 officers by the time the research is complete in 2018.

Officials at the Police Federation have said despite the operational benefits for officers, they remain concerned about having a system imposed before the full results of any long or short term health effects are known.

Geoff Stuttaford, the Federation’s lead on Airwave and deputy secretary of the Inspectors Central Committee, told PoliceOracle.com: “We have had serious concerns about Airwave affecting officers’ health and we continue to assess the benefits and risks of the technology so we welcome any research looking into this.

“There are good points and bad points to Airwave, in terms of coverage and connectivity for operational use - and then any possible health effects from officers using it.”

A spokeswoman for Airwave, the company that provides the system to police forces, said: “We support and welcome all research undertaken on the health aspects of TETRA and will continue to work with and support those undertaking existing and future research.”

The future of the TETRA radio system for police forces could be transformed following the creation of the Emergency Services Mobile Communication Programme. The programme, created by the Home Office, is exploring the long-term evolution of police communications, including developments in technology, as the Airwave contracts with police forces expire from 2016 onwards.

Source: Policeoracle.com