Crime victims could use Amazon Echo to get help

It is the voice-activated device that millions of Britons use to play music, order groceries or check on the weather. Now police are exploring whether an Amazon Echo could be used by victims and witnesses to report crimes without getting off their sofa. They want to use the technology to deliver daily crime bulletins direct to householders about offences being committed in their area, wanted suspects, missing people and even the whereabouts of the force helicopter. Lancashire Police is set to be the first force to launch news briefings through voice-activated smart speakers so local residents can'Ask Alexa' what is happening in their street or ward. The force plans to use the technology for internal'flash briefings' updating officers on anything from a major terrorist attack to reading out a crime log to an officer coming on duty.