Police

Police body cameras to be rolled out to improve accountability

Police body cameras are being rolled out to all police officers in the borough as part of a £3.4million drive for accountability.

The Body Worn Video (BWV) will be issued to around 250 frontline police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in Richmond upon Thames with additional cameras being made available for specialist departments.

The cameras have already been credited with delivering speedier justice for victims particularly in cases of domestic abuse where offenders have pleaded guilty early once they are aware their actions have been recorded.

Officers will alert members of the public that they are being recorded with the cameras showing a flashing red circle and a frequent beeping noise once it is activated.

It is mandatory for the Body Worn Video to record in certain situations including when stop and search powers are being used, to increase the accountability of policing to local communities.

Footage from the cameras are automatically uploaded to secure servers once the device has been docked and flagged for use as evidence at court or other proceedings.

Cllr Mark Boyle, Richmond Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said:

“Research has shown that the use of body worn cameras can help to prevent crime in diffusing difficult situations while also providing stronger evidence which can lead to more successful prosecutions in our fight against crime

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