View to a Bill

- Thu 27th Sep 2007

Hayling Police could soon be equipped with high-tech head-cameras if a trial taking place in Havant and Bedhampton proves to be a success.

Borough Police are currently trialling the use of head cameras to record anti-social behaviour and criminal activity. Any footage recorded may be used in court as evidence against an offender.

The cameras are being worn by Safer Neighbourhood Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and police officers but will be rolled out to patrol teams if the trial is a success.

PC Rob Swift-Simmonds said: ‘This will allow us to gain evidence of anti-social behaviour and criminal activity where previously it may have been difficult.

‘The equipment has kindly been provided by the forestry commission. It is hoped it will make people think twice about committing a crime as we now have more facilities in place to record the incident.”

The head-cameras, or "Body Worn Video Devices" are already being used by several forces around the country after initial trials Devon & Cornwall Constabulary in 2006. The pilot demonstrated that the use of body-worn video devices had led to an increase in the proportion of crimes where the offender was brought to justice compared with incidents where the cameras were not used.

By forum user, Mat

Discuss this news item in our forum