Cheshire Constabulary completes roll out of body worn video cameras

2 PCC with body worn officer copy (1)

A total of 1,600 officers at Cheshire Constabulary are now using body worn video cameras following the completion of a force-wide roll out.

The cameras are being worn by officers and PCSOs across the county to prevent harm, deter people from committing crime and anti-social behaviour and reassure the public.

In April 2018 Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane agreed to fund the purchase of the high definition cameras for all frontline officers. This followed on from body worn video initially being introduced to Cheshire's firearms officers, Taser officers and football spotters.

There are now around 1,200 cameras and 200 docking stations across the force, meaning that every officer who comes on shift has access to a camera.

The majority of officers wear the cameras on their chest, with firearms officers sometimes wearing them on their headwear when deployed to an incident.

Since the full roll out began earlier this year the force says they have seen a number of benefits, including the footage being used to support charging decisions and examples of the risks being faced by frontline officers when dealing with violent people.

Superintendent Luke McDonnell, who has led the roll out, said: "Body Worn Video is significantly improving the opportunity for officers to gather good evidence and we have already seen a number of incidents where it has been used to great effect.

"As well as supporting investigations, the footage has also helped clear up complaints we have had against officers and demonstrated the dangers our officers are facing when attending certain types of incidents.

"We are delighted that our frontline officers and PCSOs now have access to this valuable piece of kit to help them deal with the challenges of modern day policing."

Following the completion of the roll-out Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: "I'm really pleased to have been able to fund the roll-out of body worn video for every frontline police officer in Cheshire as part of one of my key priorities to have 'a force fit for the future.

"There is no doubt that this kit is providing extra protection for officers and the public by capturing assaults on police officers and other people on camera.

"It is also pleasing to see that since its introduction, body worn video has been used to support investigations which is ultimately saving a great deal of time and money for both Cheshire Police and the courts."

Photo: Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane with PC Tris Whitehead, a Taser officer using body worn video.

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Comments

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Terry Roeves
Wednesday 5th December 2018 at 11:31 am
Undoubtedly a valuable addition for our front line police officers. Commissioner Keane offers us money savings. We shall see if he is as good as his word in 2019.