Newark Police Unveil State-of-the-Art Interview Suite Honouring Fallen Hero PC Christopher McDonald
Top-Notch Support for Crime Victims
Sexual assault survivors and other victims of crime now have a safer, more supportive space to share their stories. Newark Police have opened a brand-new Digitally Recorded Interview (DRI) suite, named after fallen hero PC Christopher McDonald. Completely refurbished and relocated, the suite offers a discreet environment where victims give evidence, recorded by unobtrusive video cameras and interviewed by detectives.
Seven High-Standard DRI Suites Across Nottinghamshire
Nottinghamshire Police now boast seven DRI facilities countywide, each meeting or exceeding national standards. These rooms are crucial for gathering vital evidence soon after traumatic incidents—often the only chance victims have to speak about their ordeal.
Remembering PC Christopher McDonald: A Brave Young Officer
PC Christopher McDonald was just 19 when he died in May 1978 during a brave stand against multiple burglary suspects in Worksop. The original Newark suite, opened in 2007, bears his name. To mark the launch of the new suite, his family returned to see the upgrades and pay tribute.
“DRI suites are extremely important to our work and invaluable in bringing serious offenders to justice. Often, these interviews are the only time victims share what happened,” said Detective Inspector Gail Routledge.
“I hope officers using this facility will remember PC McDonald’s sacrifice and appreciate their role in the wider policing family.”
Legacy of Bravery Lives On
PC McDonald was posthumously honoured with the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery in 1980. The 20-year-old murderer, Albert Loveday, was jailed for life.
