A new app that allows victims and witnesses to share evidence has been adopted by Staffordshire Police following successful trials. 

Victims and witnesses of crimes in Staffordshire will be able to share photos, videos, messages, and other digital material directly with police using the evidence storage app Kulpa. 

Staffordshire Police explained that evidence uploaded via Kulpa is automatically captured in a legally compliant format, complete with time, date, and location metadata, and can be used immediately in investigations. 

They hope that this will empower victims of crimes such as stalking, harassment, anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse and retail crime to store and share digital evidence. 

The app has been adopted following successful trials in other forces, where Staffordshire Police said Kulpa has been shown to triple the likelihood of a positive outcome in cases where evidence is shared via the app, reduce delays by allowing officers to use digital evidence in initial suspect interviews, cut demand on digital forensics units by avoiding the need to seize and download whole devices and build trust with victims, helping them to stay engaged with investigations. 

Assistant Chief Constable Sally Blaiklock said: "Crime today is overwhelmingly digital. 

"Victims are often asked to save messages, photos, or footage, but until now it has been difficult to get that evidence to us quickly and in a format that we can use. Kulpa changes that. 

"It empowers victims to share evidence safely and securely, helps us take faster action against offenders, and ultimately improves outcomes and safeguarding for people in Staffordshire." 

Victims and witnesses can download the Kulpa app for free from app stores or use it on a computer by visiting www.kulpacloud.com. 

Once digital evidence, such as photos, videos, texts, social media messages and CCTV, is stored, it can be shared with police by selecting "Share with police" in the app. 

Inspector Chris Hood from Staffordshire Police's Digital Forensics Unit said: "This is a real step forward for policing. 

"Whether it's abusive messages, harassment over social media, or CCTV footage of anti-social behaviour, evidence can now be shared with us in minutes. 

"It means we can act faster, protect victims more effectively, and use our investigative resources where they are needed most." 

Staffordshire Police explained that the launch of Kulpa supports their commitment to innovation and victim-focused investigation, as set out in the national Digital Policing Strategy and also addresses recommendations from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) to improve the timeliness and quality of investigations. 

Victims who need support can also access help through local services such as Victim Support and New Era Domestic Abuse Service, who are working with Staffordshire Police to raise awareness of the new tool.