§ Mr. Curranasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the principal subjects of research now being worked on by the Police Research and Planning Branch that he has established at the Home Office.
§ Mr. BrookeThe principal subjects of research at present being undertaken by the Home Office Police Research and Planning Branch include (i) research into methods of dealing with serious and unsolved crimes, including an investigation into the possible extension throughout the country of regional crime squads and criminal intelligence bureaux and a study of criminal investigation techniques and improved scientific aids: (ii) an inquiry into the possible application of computers to fingerprints and other police records: (iii) a study of the policing of motorways and other through routes, including experiments with the use of a helicopter: (iv) an investigation into the question of the security of cash in transit; and (v) investigation of the problem of devising a formula for accurately assessing police establishments. I believe that the work of this new branch will, as it comes to fruition, markedly increase police efficiency.