European police chiefs express concern over end-to-end encryption; Emergency services rescue 50 animals after fire

Every weekday morning we bring you the sector’s freshest news stories, starting today with the news that European police chiefs are calling for technology companies to include public protection measures in their roll out of end-to-end encryption.

There’s also a story on how emergency services personnel helped rescue some 50 animals after a fire broke out next to the veterinary practice where they were receiving treatment.

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European police chiefs call for end-to-end encryption rollout to include public protection measures

The Director General of the National Crime Agency and European Police Chiefs are calling for industry and governments to take urgent action to ensure public safety across technology platforms.

End-to-end encryption, they say, prevents technology companies from seeing offending that occurs on their platforms and hampers law enforcement’s ability to lawfully access data as part of investigations to prevent and prosecute the most serious crimes. More via Emergency Services Times

Met apologises to antisemitism campaigner following protest incident

The Metropolitan Police has issued an apology to an antisemitism campaigner who was threatened with arrest at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in London.

Gideon Falter, chief executive of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, was prevented from crossing a road yards from the demonstration because he was “openly Jewish”. More via Metropolitan Police

IOPC to investigate police contact with Kulsuma Akter prior to her death

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has begun an investigation into contact West Yorkshire Police (WYP) and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) had with Kulsuma Akter in the weeks before she was fatally stabbed in Bradford.

The investigation follows referrals from both forces after the death of Ms Akter in the Westgate area of Bradford on Saturday 6 April. More via IOPC

Cheshire firefighters urge public to park more considerately

Firefighters in Cheshire are urging drivers to stop “risking lives” by parking in front of fire stations.

Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service said it had received a number of reports of cars causing potential obstructions to fire engines at their stations. More via BBC News

CE certified decontamination wipes approved for skin and surface use

Timilon has announced that its FAST-ACT Decontamination Wipes now have the CE registration as a Class I Medical Device for dual-use on both intact skin and surfaces.

This achievement marks a significant milestone for the FAST-ACT product line to provide safe and effective solutions for first responders, law enforcement agencies, hospitals, industrial workers, laboratories, emergency management agencies, transportation industry, public health agencies and military personnel across the globe. More via Emergency Services Times

Historic investment approved for Surrey fire service’s training facilities

A historic investment has been approved to improve Surrey Fire and Rescue Service’s training facilities in Reigate.

The approval from Surrey County Council’s cabinet means the largest single investment in training for frontline staff in the fire service’s history.

The upgrade includes improvements to the firehouse and training facilities at Wray Park. More via BBC News

Emergency services rescue 50 animals after fire

Essex Police, Essex Fire and Rescue Service, UK Power Networks and East of England Ambulance Service have rescued around 50 animals from a veterinary practice after a fire broke out in the building next door.

Emergency services were called to the incident on Gardiners Lane South in Basildon shortly after 1.45pm on Thursday 18 April. More via Essex Police

Caerphilly man named as new CEO of St John Ambulance Cymru

A Caerphilly man has been appointed as the new chief executive of St John Ambulance Cymru.

Following a rigorous recruitment process, Richard Lee was announced as the new chief executive officer. More via South Wales Argus