1st Police Body-Worn Cameras For Scotland

Tue, 21 April 2009 Courtesy of: Strathclyde Police

Police and wardens in Strathclyde are to be equipped with state-of-the-art cameras in a groundbreaking initiative to fight crime.

In a first for Scotland, both police officers and council wardens will wear body-mounted CCTV cameras to record incidents.

The innovative approach is being jointly launched by Strathclyde Police and Renfrewshire Council.

Tackling anti-social behaviour

Superintendent Donald McCallum explained: "This is a first for partnership working in Scotland. 

"Specially selected police officers and council wardens in Renfrewshire will wear the body-mounted cameras as part of a partnership initiative, designed to impact on anti-social behaviour.

"The lightweight device is overtly worn and clearly visible on the officer's uniform.  It will not record continuously, but will be used by officers to document incidents they are attending, recording what an officer sees, hears and says, as well as providing additional prosecution evidence, if required.

"We are continually looking at innovative approaches to targeting anti-social behaviour.  This new technology will be used to deter such criminality, gather evidence, provide corroboration and show openness and accountability." 

Protecting officers and increasing accountability

The cameras will also provide protection for officers, without restricting their actions or movements, by acting as a visible deterrent to any potential assailant; making a clear statement that their actions will be recorded. 

Superintendent McCallum added: "Importantly, as the camera records the actions of the officer, it will increase accountability and reduce the scope for false allegations."

Strict rules for use

This partnership initiative was developed by Communities Inspector John Laing, who operates from the division's Johnstone office.

He explained: "Community police officers and wardens will use the cameras on mobile, foot and mountain bike patrols throughout Renfrewshire, particularly within locally defined hot spots. 

"I would like to reassure the public that there are strict protocols and guidelines governing the use of the cameras and any video image not required for evidential purposes will be automatically destroyed after 31 days."

Council support

This initiative has been funded by Renfrewshire Council and supported by the Area Procurator Fiscal.

Renfrewshire Council has 46 wardens who work in teams of two. One body-mounted camera will be used per pair.

Councillor Brian Lawson, Renfrewshire Council's community safety spokesperson, said:

"This is an innovative approach being adopted in Renfrewshire with both police and wardens using body-mounted cameras.

"The body-mounted cameras will support the use of two CCTV vans by our wardens and anti-social behaviour investigations team. Images captured by these cameras can be vital in identifying those responsible for carrying out anti-social behaviour."