Police brains subject of 15-year radiation study

Airwave, the police's new digital radio system, is to be the subject of a £5m health monitoring study conducted by Imperial College London.

Home Office Minister Bob Ainsworth announced the investigation and backed the Tetra-based system, which has come in for criticism in the past, not least from the National Audit Office which has expressed concern about the project roll out.

He said in a statement: "We are investing in this groundbreaking health-monitoring programme to provide further reassurance to users about long-term safety. We are listening to officers on the ground and taking positive action."

The study will mean 150 police officers will have their brain functions observed in detail while using Airwave headsets. Over 15 years long-term health effects will be looked for in 100,000 officers in England, Scotland and Wales.

Airwave has been the subject of health scares for several years following a pilot roll out with police in Lancashire. It is now used by eight UK police forces and is scheduled to serve them all by the end of 2005.

The Imperial study will begin immediately, starting with a 6-month consultation period. University of Birmingham and University of Manchester are also due to carry out some research on the effect on officers.