POLICE will carry Polaroid cameras in their patrol cars in a pioneering attempt to tackle domestic violence in St Albans.

The cameras will provide admissible evidence of abuse and it is hoped they will help victims "break the silence" surrounding domestic violence.

An astonishing statistic is that victims of such attacks can be assaulted up to 35 times by a spouse, partner or relative before seeking help. Now the police aim to make it easier for people to come forward.

St Albans Detective Chief Inspector, Adrian Tapp, explained: "Victims should be encouraged to break the silence. A police officer may be the first person victims turn to and it is crucial the officer's response is appropriate and positive."

The three cameras will be used for a six-month trial period - one of three being undertaken by police forces in the UK - after recording successes in the USA.

The results of domestic violence can be recorded at the scene and the photographs used in court.

Mr Tapp added: "If the courts are made aware of the impact of an attack, there will be an increase in the number of guilty pleas and therefore a reduction in the number of times victims have to endure giving evidence in court."

The partnership between Polaroid, whose UK base is in Wheathampstead, and law enforcement has now been adopted in all 50 states in the US and hopes are high of similar successes on this side of the Atlantic.

Maralyn Pollard, chairman of St Albans Women's Refuge, who attended the project's launch yesterday (Tuesday), said: "It is very important we have this facility. It will be of great use to us."

In addition, a number of mobile telephones will be made available to victims of domestic violence, giving them a direct link to the emergency services.

An advice leaflet, entitled Breaking Your Heart? Break The Silence, which outlines the police's campaign against domestic violence, is available from St Albans police.

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