The ongoing trial of a new secure digital evidence platform that allows victims and witnesses to store legally admissible material and share it directly with officers is showing early signs of “encouraging” success, the chief of police has said.
States of Jersey Police Chief Robin Smith explained that the Kulpa app, developed by Jersey-based firm Kulpa Platforms and supported by Digital Jersey, had so far received “good” feedback from officers.
Mr Smith said since the start of the 12-month trial in September, over 500 pieces of digital evidence had been securely shared with Jersey police.
He explained that the evidence collected so far related to over 75 separate suspected crimes including, drug dealing, theft, road traffic accidents, harassment and abuse, and violence with injury.
Kulpa was launched in 2022 by Jersey-based entrepreneur Simon Franc, with the year-long trial with the States of Jersey Police launched in September.
Police said the move could help speed up investigations and improve outcomes in complex cases.
Islanders can use the app to upload photos, videos, chat logs, CCTV or other files and submit them when they feel ready.
Mr Smith made the comments in a meeting with members of the Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel this week.
The police chief said that a “significant amount of training” had taken place within the local force to ensure the app was used safely and effectively.
Responding to concerns about data security, Mr Smith acknowledged: “[The Kulpa app] is innovative but it’s not without its risks so we want to proceed cautiously.”
He said feedback so far from officers had been “good” and the pilot will have a review after six months “to see if it works for the victim, the States of Jersey Police and for justice”.
