Shropshire Star comment; We must embrace technology
There was fierce debate when police started to wear video cameras as part of their uniform from some who suggested it might be a breach of civil liberties. And yet the move went ahead and has proved to be successful.
West Mercia Police implemented the technology 12 months ago and it has been a huge success. The £1 million investment has been money well spent and cameras have helped to tackle crime. A huge number of video clips are used in court cases to catch offenders and help the Crown Prosecution Service to secure convictions.
As part of an ongoing programme of modernisation, the cameras have played an important part and they can now be seen as an essential part of efficient policing.
Those who were worried that their civil liberties might be infringed no longer have much of an argument. The cameras keep our streets safer and have been a step in the right direction. They provide the police with additional protection against members of the public who might assault them or present a false version of events. And, on some occasions, they provide members of the public with protection from officers whose conduct might be later called into question.
We live in a technological age and the rate of change is vast. Just as Shropshire saw a quantum leap during the Industrial Revolution, so the region is experiencing something just as rapid and profound during the present Digital Age.
The police are not the only beneficiaries of such moves. An Ironbridge creative has made a brilliant virtual reality game that gives people the chance to immerse themselves in nature.
John Carline’s technological know how and entrepreneurial flair have sent him to the top of the charts as his Nature Treks VR has proved a hit. He has built on his 20 years in the games industry to create a fully immersive experience that people find thrilling.
His skills are ones that allow the user to experience a virtual world unlike any other. It will prove popular with youngsters who will experience an educational benefit from it, in addition to other casual users.
We must continue to embrace technology and move forward, however challenging that might sometimes seem. Britain has the opportunity to be a world leader in the field, just as it was during the time of the Industrial Revolution. These are exciting times.
