Pilot scheme for BWV in Scotland

Grampian Police is to trial the state-of-the art body-worn video (BWV) cameras for the first time next month. Eighteen cameras – funded through the Fairer Scotland Fund – will be issued to officers during the pilot scheme which will run in Aberdeen for three months.

Trials in other parts of the UK have shown they are especially effective at combating anti-social behaviour and alcohol-fuelled disorder.

The cameras – which are smaller and lighter than a mobile phone – will be worn on the upper body.
They take clear and accurate digital images which can provide potentially crucial evidence.
The cameras also accurately record the actions of everyone involved in an incident – increasing accountability and transparency.

Chief Inspector Nick Topping said: “We’re delighted to be able to introduce these cameras, which will be a valuable new tool in the fight against crime.

“Not only will they provide potentially crucial evidence, they will be a deterrent and make it less likely that offenders will deny their involvement in crime.

“And they are more likely to behave if they know their every move is being recorded.

“They will help us provide officers with extra protection and improve service delivery.”

He added: “The cameras can help bring about earlier pleas of guilty and potentially less time in court for our officers and the victims of crime.

“Trials elsewhere have shown that they reduce the amount of time officers spend on paperwork, which frees our local policing teams to spend more time in their communities.”

He said the cameras can also be deployed as dashboard cameras in police vehicles.
Chief Insp Topping explained that strict rules governing the use of the cameras had been put in place.

“Any image which isn’t required for evidence or other policing purposes will be destroyed after 31 days. And – where practical – officers will also tell people when they are being filmed,” he said.

The cameras were introduced after consultation with health and safety officials and the Scottish Police Federation, both of which have approved the pilot scheme.

Councillor Martin Greig, chair of Aberdeen Community Safety Partnership, said: “I welcome the use of these BWV cameras in Aberdeen by Grampian Police.

“Their use by officers, following on the heels of the recent community-focused local policing restructure in the city, will provide more reassurance to the public. At the same time it also sends a clear signal to the minority who do commit crimes that this type of behaviour won`t be tolerated.”

He added: “The old adage that a picture – or a video in this case – tells a thousand words couldn’t be more true. I expect that the footage of criminal behaviour from these cameras will be of tremendous assistance to the courts and will make a real difference to residents throughout Aberdeen, reducing crime further and enhancing the community safety of all.”