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DEVON POLICE RADIO FEARS TO BE AIRED AT CONFERENCE
BY ANDREW MOSLEY
HEALTH CORRESPONDENT May 2003
Devon police officers' fears over a new emergency communications system are to
be highlighted at a national conference today. Steve Pearce, chairman of the
Devon and Cornwall branch of the Police Federation, which represents hundreds of
rank and file officers, says more research is needed before the new Tetra system
is introduced.
The police constable, who is in Blackpool for the federation's annual three-day
conference starting today, said: "Our roll-out of masts has been delayed until
the spring of 2005 because of the anti-mast campaign, so we do have a comfort
zone.
"My concern, and that of the federation, is for the health of officers across
Devon and Cornwall and that is the stance we are taking."
The Police Federation says some officers elsewhere in the country have reported
headaches and nausea after using radios linked to the Tetra system. It believes
its members are being used as guinea pigs.
"We are calling for further research and closer monitoring of officers using the
system," said Mr Pearce.
"Devon and Cornwall Police Federation has been at the forefront of raising
concerns over health risks in Tetra."
Plans to introduce the Tetra radio masts in Devon were last year put on ice
until 2005 because of the strength of public opinion.
Airwave, the company responsible for installing the new mobile phone
transmitters, confirmed the delay was due to the number of petitions against its
planning applications, mainly on health grounds.
Campaigners welcome the delay because it will enable them to gather more
objections.
Devon and Cornwall police would have been one of the first forces to use the new
Tetra system, but are now likely to be among the last.
The Echo's Shock Waves campaign has highlighted many of the public protests
against the Tetra masts, including:
Plans for a mast in Casely Woods, Lustleigh, which the Dartmoor National Park
Authority refused on the grounds of visual impact;
An application for a Tetra mast at Moretonhampstead Fire Station, which was
withdrawn by communications firm mmO2 (UK) Ltd, after the fire service said it
did not want the masts on its land - Devon Fire Authority later banned masts and
aerials from its stations;
Firm mm02 being asked to submit new plans for an alternative site for a
45ft-high mast alongside the new A30 at Gittisham, near Honiton;
Residents in Pennsylvania currently fighting an application to install
additional equipment on a police mast.
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