Police Scotland’s national rollout of BWV continues

Around 500 officers in the Forth Valley and 600 officers in Fife, including road policing officers and dog handlers, will be equipped with the new devices over the coming weeks.

The rollout of the Home Office-approved Motorola Solutions VB400 cameras follows on from the introduction in the north of Scotland, which started in March.

Police Scotland says more than 10,500 devices will eventually be issued across the country.

Since taking command in October 2023, Chief Constable Jo Farrell has prioritised the introduction of BWV, which can help to de-escalate incidents, improve public trust and reduce complaints.

Superintendent Ray Birnie said: “The national rollout of the BWV cameras is a key priority for us and is one of the ways that we can work towards our vision of safer communities and less crime.

“BWV can significantly enhance public confidence and support officer and public safety by providing effective and transparent evidence of police and public interactions.

“The technology will also improve the quality of evidence presented in court to deliver faster justice for victims by increasing early guilty pleas and reducing time spent at court for victims, witnesses and police officers.

“There is strong public and partner support for BWV in Scotland and we will continue to explain our use of this important technology including assurance around data privacy and human rights considerations.”

Police Scotland said there will be a gradual increase in officers with BWV cameras across Scotland over the next 18 months.

Every frontline uniformed police officer, including Special Constables, will be expected to wear a video camera on their uniform while on duty and to activate it when using police powers, whether a stop and search, an arrest of a suspect or executing a search warrant.

Police staff in custody suites will also use cameras when interacting with people in custody.