Groundbreaking Technology to Help Police Tackle Violence Against Women
A pioneering new technology designed to enhance police efforts in addressing violence against women and girls has been unveiled in London. The handheld device, known as Project Archway, is the first of its kind and enables officers to better assess and document injuries on victims, particularly improving the visibility of bruising on darker skin tones.
On Monday, the technology was demonstrated to Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan, who met with Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and officers currently piloting the device. The innovation uses a technique called cross-polarisation, which allows bruises and other injuries that may not be visible to the naked eye to be captured more clearly through photography.
During a pilot scheme in south London, the device was used 33 times, resulting in charges in 45 percent of cases, with several other instances still under investigation, according to the Metropolitan Police. This suggests the technology is making a tangible difference in gathering stronger evidence for prosecutions.
The device has been carefully developed with ethical considerations at the forefront. It underwent extensive consultation involving stakeholders such as the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the Black Police Association, and the Met Ethics Board. Police officers receive specialised training before they use the device and it is only operated with full consent from the victim.
Project Archway complements other ongoing initiatives, including the Met Police’s V100 programme, which targets the most dangerous offenders and has already led to 129 convictions and 154 serious charges related to violence against women.
Speaking about the rollout, Sir Sadiq Khan emphasised the importance of this technology in responding to concerns from victims of colour who have historically had less confidence in the police. “One of the missions of the police service, with my support and challenge, is to address the concerns that those Londoners have,” he remarked. “This new technology shows how much the police is changing and responding to the legitimate concerns raised by ethnic minority victims and survivors.”
He also highlighted that despite the progress, there is still work to be done. “It’s not mission accomplished. Neither myself nor the commissioner are complacent about the need for further reform,” Sir Sadiq said. He called for broader societal engagement to tackle misogyny, urging that it be recognised as a hate crime in Parliament and that education on this issue begins in schools. Additionally, he stressed the responsibility of employers, entertainment venues, and men in general to make environments safer for women and girls.
Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, acknowledged improvements in police responses to victims of violence against women and girls. He explained that obtaining clear evidence of assaults, such as bruises and scratches, is fundamental but can be challenging due to lighting conditions and skin colour differences. The new lighting technology incorporated in the device helps overcome these obstacles.
“The tests have resulted in more prosecutions,” Sir Mark said. “I want to see this technology expanded across London and eventually across the country to further improve justice for victims.”
As violence against women remains a critical public safety issue, Project Archway represents a significant step forward in enhancing police investigative capabilities and fostering greater confidence among vulnerable communities.
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