POLICE chiefs are preparing to introduce video identification parades in the near future as part of a cost-cutting exercise.

The Viper system of ID parades, which was pioneered by West Yorkshire Police, is expected to be adopted by forces nationwide over the next few years.

But the North Yorkshire force believes that it is unlikely to be one of the first ten to be given the system and is planning to create its own instead.

Chief Constable David Kenworthy said the present system had become too expensive and inefficient to continue.

The force has a budget of £26,000 a year for identity parades, but spent more than double that amount last year through having to assemble volunteers and find staff to supervise them.

Video parades will eventually be set up in a central suite at Fulford Road police station, York.