West Midlands PCC uses more than £10k of criminal funding to install life-saving defibrillators in police vehicles
The PCC has used money seized from criminals to pay for life-saving defibrillators to be installed in police vans.
The Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, has used money taken from criminals to pay for the installation of life-saving defibrillators (defibs) in the force's police vans.
In a 'pioneering' initiative, the PCC has used £10,750 that was secured through the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) to equip 10 police vehicles with life-saving defibrillators.
Up until now, the forces' firearms and traffic police vehicles have carried defibs, but not the Operational Support Units (OSU).
The bid was approved after the case was made by a police officer from the OSU, who highlighted the critical role that defibs can play in saving lives at the scene of emergencies.
PCC Simon Foster said: "I am passionate about using money seized from criminals and putting it to good use, for the benefit of people and communities within the West Midlands.
"By buying these defibs and kitting out police vans, we are directly investing in equipment that can save lives.
"I’m pleased to support this initiative and thank the officers who championed it. Every second counts in a cardiac emergency, and these defibrillators could make the difference between life and death."
The devices were supplied by St John Ambulance, with the group saying that it is 'meaningful' that the money has come from the POCA funding.
Karen McKeown, West Midlands County Commissioner for St John Ambulance, said: "We’re proud to support West Midlands Police in this life-saving initiative. The defibrillators provided are designed for rapid deployment and ease of use, even in high-pressure situations.
"It’s especially meaningful that the POCA funding used to purchase them is being reinvested into St John Ambulance, helping us continue our mission to save lives."
The force said that the rollout not only enhances the force's emergency response abilities, but also reflects the 'commitment to community wellbeing', using the proceeds of crime to 'protect and preserve life'.
