Constabulary completes body worn video roll out

Above: PC Tris Whitehead with body worn video

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 and are already proving to be an essential piece of operational kit by promoting public reassurance, preventing harm and often deterring people from committing crime and anti-social behaviour.

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 has seen a number of benefits. These have included 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.”