London – The Metropolitan Police has introduced a significant technological advancement aimed at improving the detection and visualisation of bruising, particularly on individuals with darker skin tones. The new handheld device, known as Project Archway, was commended by the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, during a presentation by Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley.
This initiative is positioned as a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to combat violence against women and girls (VAWG), where physical evidence like bruising is often vital for successful prosecution.
Addressing a Critical Challenge
The difficulty in visually identifying bruising on darker skin using only the naked eye has long presented a challenge for law enforcement and medical professionals. This can hinder the collection of critical evidence in cases of assault and domestic violence, potentially impacting the pursuit of justice for victims.
Project Archway seeks to overcome this specific obstacle by providing officers with a tool that can reveal injuries that might otherwise go unnoticed or underestimated.
How Project Archway Works
The core of the Project Archway technology lies in a technique called cross-polarisation. This method uses specialized filters on both the light source and the camera lens (within the handheld device) to reduce surface glare from the skin. By eliminating this reflected light, subsurface details, such as blood pooled beneath the skin’s surface that forms a bruise, become significantly more visible. This enhanced visualisation is particularly effective in making subtle or deep bruising apparent, regardless of the victim’s skin pigmentation.
The device is designed to be portable and user-friendly, enabling officers to utilise it at the scene or during subsequent investigations.
Promising Pilot Programme Results
A pilot programme for Project Archway was conducted in south London to test its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. The device was deployed and used on 33 occasions during the pilot period. The results demonstrated a tangible impact on casework: charges were brought in 45% of those instances where the technology was employed.
These statistics suggest that Project Archway is not merely a theoretical aid but a practical tool capable of strengthening evidence gathering, potentially leading to improved outcomes in cases where injury detection is key.
Ethical Implementation and Oversight
Recognising the sensitive nature of deploying new surveillance or examination technologies, the development and implementation of Project Archway involved extensive ethical scrutiny and consultation. The Metropolitan Police engaged with a range of key bodies to ensure the technology’s responsible use.
These consultations included discussions with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the Black Police Association, and the Met Ethics Board. This multi-stakeholder approach aimed to address potential concerns regarding privacy, bias, and the proper application of the technology within legal frameworks and community trust considerations.
Furthermore, strict protocols govern the use of the Project Archway device. Officers operating the technology must undergo specialised training to ensure they are proficient in its use and understand its capabilities and limitations. Crucially, officers are mandated to obtain full consent from victims before using the device to scan for injuries, respecting individual autonomy and privacy rights.
Leadership Endorsement
The formal presentation of Project Archway to the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, by Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley highlights the Metropolitan Police’s commitment to leveraging technology in its fight against crime and enhancing its support for victims. Mayor Khan’s commendation underscores the perceived importance and potential of this new tool, particularly in the critical area of tackling violence against women and girls.
The introduction of Project Archway signifies an advancement in forensic capabilities available to London’s police force, aiming to ensure that visible evidence of harm is not missed, thereby supporting investigations and aiding the pursuit of justice for victims of violent crime.
