A state-of-the art £4.2m radio system has been launched by West Mercia police which will improve the effectiveness and safety of policing and help victims in road crashes.

The digitally encrypted system, the first of its kind to be used in the Midlands, prevents outsiders listening to police conversations, gives clearer reception and provides better coverage in rural areas.

IT training manager at Hindlip Hall Insp Paul Westall, said at this week's launch the system - provided by Airwave - would allow officers to provide higher levels of service as well as improving their own personal safety.

"One of the most distressing things for people involved in road crashes can be the fact that they are alright but cannot let anyone know," he said.

"With the old system officers would ask control to make a call, but if they were too busy then it would not be made.

"However, because the officers' handsets can also be used as mobile telephones, officers can make telephone calls from the crash site on behalf of those involved.

"But as the system also operates in many rural areas that the previous network did not, officers can also call for back-up or help from other emergency service much quicker.

"As the system also has a panic button, officers can get urgent backup far quicker meaning their own security will be improved."

The system - already in operation in Suffolk, Greater Manchester and Lancashire - was funded by a £3.9m grant from the Government, which used money raised from the sale of the old police frequency.

The Home Office hopes to have the system operating throughout the whole of the UK by 2005.

David Powell, West Mercia Constabulary programme manager for Airwave, said the new lighter and smaller handsets and the system had been well received by officers.

"We are extremely pleased with the system and believe officers will be able to work more safely and more effectively because of it," he said.