FRONT-LINE police officers and staff across West Mercia are now all equipped with body-worn cameras, five months after the ground-breaking technology was first rolled out in Malvern.
The £1million launch of the technology has been completed three months ahead of schedule and Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion believes it will modernise the force.
Officers across Worcestershire can now be seen wearing the cameras which are designed to reduce complaints against police officers, help prevent crimes occurring and provide clear evidence of incidents.
Mr Campion said: “In the coming months we will see more clarity and evidence when incidents occur, increasing the chance of conviction and therefore the quality of service for victims.
“Our police service will be more accountable, and the cameras should help to prevent crime by diffusing situations and impacting on offender behaviour.
“These are huge benefits to the police, and to the public, and I look forward to seeing the body worn video playing a part in creating a safer, more secure West Mercia.”
West Mercia Police Assistant Chief Constable Martin Evans said: “This investment has provided us with a number of significant benefits. It acts as a deterrent.
“Knowing individuals actions are being recorded often has a sobering effect in calming what can sometimes be difficult situations our officers regularly face.
“It helps to protect officers against some unfounded complaints that are made by giving an independent record of actual events.
“Most importantly it can provide very clear, compelling evidence to support prosecutions, speed up convictions at court and provide additional support particularly to some of our most vulnerable victims.
It is a great step forward for us in better serving our local communities.”
