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'Smile, you're on camera!' Police to get 'head-cams'
Last updated at 15:37pm on 12.07.07Police officers in the UK are to be given head-mouted video cameras to film incidents and arrests, the footage of which can then be used in evidence.
The Home Office is to give police £3 million to fund a national roll-out of head cameras after regional trials proved they were successful in fighting crime, the Government has announced.
The move, announced by Minister of State for Police, Crime, Security and Counter-Terrorism Tony McNulty, comes after an evaluation of a pilot project in Plymouth by Devon and Cornwall Constabulary.
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The 'head-cams' can store up to 400 hours of footage with soundtrack on their hard drive
A report on the project showed that use of "body worn video devices" 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.
A spokesman for the force said: "The clear evidence provided by head camera footage means that offenders have less opportunity to deny their involvement, leading to less paperwork for the police, earlier guilty pleas, less time spent in court and an increase in convictions."
Mr McNulty said: "The use of body worn cameras has the potential to improve significantly the quality of evidence provided by police officers in the drive to reduce crime, the fear of crime and increase the proportion of offenders brought to justice.
"I am delighted to be able to announce £3 million for the police service which will enable forces to make this valuable technology available to frontline police officers in England and Wales.
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Each unit costs around £1,700
Before the cameras are used in a new area, the Home Office has advised police to mount a media campaign with warning posters saying "Glass head", "Police, camera, action!", "Handcuffed" and "Video Screen".
According to the guidelines officers are to wear a sign and to announce: "I am video recording you."
The guidelines tell officers they can use the cameras in situations where they would normally have made a written record.
The cameras should not be used in general patrolling unless it is part of a specific operation, such as public order duties. Recordings not to be used in evidence should be deleted within 31 day
Reader views (19)
If all arrests are recorded, then not only will cameras increase the conviction rate, but they'll also make police more accountable for their own behaviour during an arrest. They should also make wrongful convictions less likely. Thus, they're a good thing even to a left-of-liberal like myself.
- Chris, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
This is a great idea and another good crime fighting tool. No doubt it iwll be stymied by the do-gooders who have never been at the sharp end of crime. If the Head Cameras can assist in ensuring correct details of the crime are recorded, then it also must assist the criminals who are always saying that "I didn't say that Judge"!! As the Cameras are so large it is fairly obvious to anyone with half a brain that it is a camera, so why on earth would you make a Police Officer wear a sign saying"I am recording you". Good luck to the British Police Force.
- Robin Warner, Tauranga, New Zealand
Fantastic! I agree - If people are not breaking the law or causing a nuisance, then they have nothing to fear from this. It will help make life safer.
- James Dodd, United Kingdom
The more techology that becomes available the more high technology is expected to be available to prosecute or defend people in criminal cases, look at how DNA has revolutionised criminal cases. If taxpayers want value for money the increasingly stretched front line police need more effcient and effective ways of dealing positively with members of our diverse society; audio/ video evidence correctly gathered can produce very effective and efficient results; invest money in technology and save money in wasted or ineffective prosecutions. Get it right first time with video evidence!
- Charlie, Witney, Oxon, UK
There is no reason that I can see that would prevent the general population doing the same (cost of course!) so that in the case of the Police stopping you... well their actions would also be recorded!
- David, London
If people aren't committing crimes, then they have nothing to fear with the video cameras. Video captures actual events - and will help enforce the concept of the guilty being convicted and the innocent being released. I can't see a reason why there isn't support for making the police more efficient. This is definitely the way to go.
- John, Lancaster
I think that this idea is stupid why don't they actually do some real police work and stop wasting out money on silly ideas.
- Cat, Staffordshire
We already use them in police cruisers. They film reality. What better way to protect both officers and the rights of the accused?
- Www.Floridalawyer.Com - Chris, St. Petersburg, Florida
The police are nothing more than thugs that the Government uses to protect itself. Isn't it weird that where there is no Government and police, no or very little crime exists, this is no coincidence because the Government, police and Military need crime or they do not recieve their paychecks. The police is a scam to steal money from the public, the courts and the fines make lots and lots of money.
- Arthur Guy, Gloucester
Are they doing any work at all? How many burglars will they catch that way I wonder...
- Jacqueline, Hampstead, London
Excellent idea! Since they're turning Britain into a police state, at least someone should be watching the police themselves. This will do more to curb police misconduct than anything else. I am sure that the authorities love the idea that their actions will now be on camera (careful writing those police reports guys and gals of law enforcement until you see your films).
- Marlon, San Francisco, CA
I want to know who watches the police. If I record them without their permission I am not allowed to present that in a court of law? If we have equality in law then we have nothing to worry about, we do not.
- John Pilkington, Manchester
Behold - the humble beginnings of 'Robocop'.
- Maxziel, NY, NY
You've got to be kidding. Where is the British uproar at this rapid evolution of their infringing police state?
- Chris, Dallas, TX
Do they in the UK allow the general population to video tape the police?
- M. Regan, Ohio, USA
More gimmicks. When was the last time they actually caught someone?
- S Bates, London
Yeah. The police can film themselves now snoozing in the office shuffling government numbers and papers. I can not recall last time I actulally saw a real police officer on the street.
- Pete, London
Will footage be released where an officer has overstepped the mark and was captured doing so by his own, or a colleagues, camera outfit?
- Md, London, UK
How about arming our police to combat all the violent crime on the rise within the UK? What is a head cam going to do when a man is armed with a knife or a gun, record another police officer attacked or killed in the line of duty? Wake up Britain!
- Brandon Ward, London UK
