The devices will be worn on officers’ uniforms and the force said they will only be used in specific incidents when an officer believes it’s necessary to capture video evidence.
The cameras will cost £1.2 million over four years and have been funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Martin Surl, whose Crime Plan priorities include accessibility and accountability.
“By having a video and sound recording of what they see and hear when they arrive at the scene of an incident, whether that’s an RTC, a fight in a pub, or a report of domestic abuse, officers will be able to present compelling evidence to prosecutors. This means a stronger chance of securing justice for victims,” said Mr Surl.
As previously reported by SHP Online police officers in Humber, NHS paramedics and parking wardens, have all been issued with body cameras.
One of the train operators to rollout body worn video (BWV) cameras is Southeastern Railways (SE Railways).
Last month, Southeastern Railways’ General Manager for Revenue, Crime and Enforcement, Siobhan Bradshaw told SHP Online its Revenue Protection Officers have access to one each from a pool of cameras at each depot.
“We additionally have a pool of cameras that we use for individuals or locations on a temporary, reactive or emerging basis – for example a repeat victim, or a problematic train,” Ms Bradshaw said.
According to the British Transport Police (BTP), there were 6,960 incidents of assault against rail staff in 2015-2016 of which 27% (1,879) were physical assaults and with many incidences estimated to have gone unreported.
“We really believe that giving our officers their own video camera will make a big difference by making them and the public safer,” said Detective Superintendent Julie Mackay.
“Elsewhere in the country police officers are already wearing cameras and in these places the equipment is helping to capture crucial evidence and even deter offences in the first place. The cameras will help us convict more criminals and that means safer communities here in Gloucestershire.”
