POLICE officers in Evesham and Pershore will now be out on patrol with Body Worn Video cameras as the roll out of the new technology continues.
It’s part of West Mercia and Warwickshire Police’s £2.5million investment over the next three years into the new technology, with devices being issued to around 2,200 officers across the two forces by the end of the year.
The main purpose of the camera, which is attached to the officer’s uniform on the chest, is to capture video and audio evidence, in order to support vulnerable victims, help to secure convictions in court and to increase transparency around police activity.
Superintendent Kevin Purcell, South Worcestershire Policing Commander, said: “Officers in Malvern have been using body worn cameras since April and the impact to date has been positive.
“Our officers deal with challenging circumstances which can be difficult to put into words: video captures events in a way that cannot be represented in written statements and provides a new perspective. This technology helps us give victims the best possible service and the highest chance of getting a conviction in court.”
West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion, said: “This technology plays a big part in my vision for a reformed, reassured and safer West Mercia and I am pleased to see it being rolled out ahead of schedule.
“It is already clear that the increased transparency which the video provides is reassuring both the public and our officers, giving our communities greater confidence in the police service. The higher quality of evidence this delivers, provides a higher quality of service for victims and increases the chance of justice being served.
“This, along with a number of other changes to technology, exemplifies how I am delivering on the promise I made to our communities to deliver the modern, forward thinking police force that they deserve.”
