Evidence app 'could help domestic abuse victims'

Islanders are being encouraged to upload evidence using the Kulpa app

A digital evidence app being trialled by Jersey police could help domestic abuse victims come forward, it is hoped.

Kulpa has already been tested by Hertfordshire Constabulary, which found using the app saved up to seven hours per case.

It can be used by anyone who wants to send evidence - whether it is video, pictures or audio files - and domestic abuse victims can hide the app if needed.

The Kulpa app, like all apps, can be hidden on most smartphones to remove it from the home screen. It can be locked with a passcode or biometrics or simply deleted while the information uploaded will still be stored safely.

DCI Mark Hafey believes the Kulpa app will transform policing in Jersey

Det Ch Insp Mark Hafey, from States of Jersey Police, said the app was a way for anyone in a volatile situation to protect themselves.

He explained that even if the app was deleted, the evidence would remain on it until the person was ready to share it with officers.

"That, for me, kind of empowers victims because we know many victims of domestic abuse, they can be a victim 30-50 times before they decide to report it to the police," he said.

Det Ch Insp Hafey added the app was a way to "move forward" in policing and would hopefully save time.

"We want to be as efficient and as effective as we can be and we want to provide the best possible service to victims of crime... and by going down the Kulpa road, I think that's a real step forward," he explained.

Chief executive of Kulpa Simon Franc said the "real point" of Kulpa was that it could be used by anyone for any offence.

"We've seen it really successfully used in dealing with things like malicious damage, anti-social behaviour, theft from retailers - a lot of retailers are now using Kulpa to share their CCTV with policing.

"We've seen it used in the most extreme cases and in the most serious cases, such as domestic abuse and... rape and other sexual offences.

"It has been proven across the board but we built Kulpa to ensure that you can store files that can be used in the legal process."