A RADICAL new high-tech way of holding police identity parades is today up and running at York police headquarters.

The £100,000 computerised system means that the traditional police line-up has virtually been consigned to the history books.

It has been replaced by the new system, which sees a suspect's image recorded on to a computer.

Twenty-four image options from the thousands stored on the system are offered to the suspect, who chooses eight that he or she is happy with.

An entire ID parade line-up is then created on a CD and shown to witnesses.

Inspector Nick Verity, who oversaw the creation of the new system, said it should save the force thousands of pounds a year.

Though the equipment is based in York the system is available for the entire force area to use.

Previously North Yorkshire Police held video ID parades at South Yorkshire Police headquarters in Sheffield, which charged for the service.

Insp Verity said: "The new equipment means a parade can be organised within minutes.

"The system comprises two parts, a computer which holds a database of suspect and volunteer photographs, together with a video camera to record future images, and a CCTV system which for evidential purposes can record the witness viewing the ID parade, so it is no longer necessary for a defence solicitor to be present."

Insp Verity said formal ID parades will now take place in York no more than ten times a year, with four of those carried out for training purposes.

He added: "If a formal ID parade is needed, the facilities are also in place. One of the conference rooms at Fulford Road police station has been kitted-out with one-way glass so suspects and volunteers can line up inside the room and the witness can view them from outside in the corridor.

"The new system is better for volunteers, for suspects and for witnesses. It speeds things up for suspects, can eliminate them more quickly if they are innocent, and means witnesses are not in close proximity to the suspects as they can be under the old system."

The police are currently seeking volunteers to build up the picture database. Registration days are planned for March 21, 22, 28 and 29, from 9am to 4pm at Fulford Road police station. All volunteers will be paid £10. Phone 01904 669344 for more details.

Updated: 08:45 Tuesday, March 18, 2003