PCC puts life-saving defibrillators in police vans using money seized from criminals

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has used money seized from criminals to pay for life-saving defibrillators to equip 10 police vans.

Up until now firearms and traffic police vehicles have carried the defibs, but not the Operational Support Units (OSU). The initiative has been made possible through £10,750 secured via the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) – money seized from criminal activity and reinvested into crime prevention and community safety.

The bid was approved after a compelling case was made by a police officer from the OSU, who highlighted the critical role defibrillators can play in saving lives at the scene of emergencies.

“I am passionate about using money seized from criminals and putting it to good use, for the benefit of people and communities within the West Midlands. By buying these defibs and kitting out police vans, we are directly investing in equipment that can save lives.

“I’m pleased to support this initiative and thank the officers who championed it. Every second counts in a cardiac emergency, and these defibrillators could make the difference between life and death.”

Simon Foster, Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands.

Defibrillators can increase survival rates to as high as 90% if used within the first minute of someone collapsing, and up to 70% if used within three to five minutes of a cardiac arrest. Police vans are often first on the scene at major incidents and so this rollout significantly boosts the force’s life-saving capabilities.

Chief Superintendent Sarah Burton, Head of Operations at West Midlands Police, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for our Operational Support Unit. This is a vital step forward in our ability to respond to emergencies.

“Our officers are often first at the scene of serious incidents and having defibrillators on board gives them the tools to act immediately. It’s a smart, compassionate use of POCA funding and a credit to the team who made it happen.”

The devices were supplied by first aid charity, St John Ambulance. Karen McKeown, West Midlands County Commissioner from the organisation, said: “We’re proud to support West Midlands Police in this life-saving initiative. The defibrillators provided are designed for rapid deployment and ease of use, even in high-pressure situations.

“It’s especially meaningful that the POCA funding used to purchase them is being reinvested into St John Ambulance, helping us continue our mission to save lives.”

The rollout has also been welcomed by Naomi Rees-Issitt, tireless campaigner and founder of the Our Jay Foundation, which was established in memory of her 18-year-old son Jamie Rees.

Naomi, from Rugby near Coventry, has been instrumental in raising awareness of the importance of defibrillators and is campaigning for Jamie’s Law, which would see every police vehicle in the UK equipped with a defib.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to see West Midlands Police taking this step. It’s a huge win for public safety and a testament to the power of community campaigning. Jamie’s legacy lives on through initiatives like this. I hope other forces follow suit and support Jamie’s Law – because every second really does count.”

Naomi Rees-Issitt.

This initiative not only enhances the force’s emergency response but also reflects a broader commitment to community wellbeing, using the proceeds of crime to protect and preserve life.

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