Camden New Journal - News: Police radio coverage still hampered by Hampstead hills

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Camden New Journal - by PAUL KEILTHY
Published: 15 November 2007

Police radio coverage still hampered by Hampstead hills

POLICE are still operating without full radio coverage in some Hampstead streets nine months after a senior officer expressed concern over effectiveness and safety.
The hills of Hampstead block the signal for the Met’s new Airwave radio system and a project to install a booster mast is still weeks from completion, Camden police’s communications chief has confirmed. Chief Inspector Guy McGinn said: “Planning permission was granted for one (mast) to go on top of the Royal Free Hospital. That work is near completion and once it is completed we are hoping that the dead spots in that area are resolved.”
Gospel Oak councillor Chris Philp, said yesterday: “You can’t put police in the street without working radios. This delay is likely to have compromised officer and community safety.”
In February Supt Roger Smalley said the “dead spots” caused “effectiveness reduction in reacting to incidents”.

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