Wiltshire
Police Expand Further into Cyberspace
Wiltshire
Police has announced the launch of its improved website. Visitors to www.wiltshire.police.uk
will benefit from a range of new features including clearer layout, easier
navigation, greater accessibility and Google maps.
One of the key features is a customised toolbar which provides the facility
to listen to web text, allows the text to be increased or decreased and
change the background colour.
Another key feature of the toolbar is the ability to save the text as
an MP3 file and transfer to an audio playing device for listening to whilst
on the move. These functions make using the website easier for people
with dyslexia, colour blindness, visual stress or any other form of visual
difficulty. The toolbar also provides the facility to choose from a number
of different languages to read the text.
Deputy Chief Constable, Stephen Long said: ‘The new website is an
exciting development for the force and we hope the increased accessibility
will enable us to provide information and advice to a wide audience. We
realise that the website is an additional tool to interact with the public
and plan to take advantage of this by running regular online forums where
key contacts in the organisation will be available to answer questions.’
Members of the public will still be able to report minor crime online
and in the near future the facility to track the progress of an investigation
by logging on with a unique password will be available. Other future improvements
will allow users to apply for jobs online and check the status of an application.
Online payments will also be available for items such as firearms licenses.
Sharin Masih, Chair of the Wiltshire Independent Advisory Group said:
‘I am pleased to hear about the improvements to the Police website
as it is used by a large number of people who all want fast and easy access.
Websites now play an important part in our lives and access for all is
a key issue.’
Martin Fortune Community Development Manager, Wiltshire & Swindon
Users' Network said: ‘The development of the website is very welcome.
The Police's Disability Equalities Group is newly established and will
be enthusiastically using and monitoring this new initiative and watching
its development with interest.’
To launch the new website Wiltshire Police are giving away 50 free toolbars
which will allow winners to use all its functions on other websites (except
translations). Simply log on to http://www.wiltshire.police.uk
and register your details before 31st August 2008 to enter the prize draw
(winners will be drawn at random on 15th September 2008, terms and conditions
apply).
