Police Scotland has begun its nationwide roll out of body worn video.
As a first step around 750 officers in Tayside, including those in road policing and dog handling, are being equipped with the Motorola Solutions VB400 cameras.
This will be followed by extending the roll out to the Highlands and Islands in the North East during the summer, then to the east of the country in the autumn.
Ultimately more than 10,500 officers from constable to inspector ranks, and police custody staff, will be issued with the devices.
Every frontline office, including special constables, will be expected to wear a video camera on their uniform while on duty and to activate it when using police powers.
Police Scotland said the equipment can help to de-escalate incidents, reduce complaints and improve public trust in policing, along with improving staff safety.
Enhancing public confidence
Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “During the next 18 months, you will see a gradual increase in officers with body worn video cameras across Scotland. In cities and rural communities, in our communities on the roads, hospitals and schools and anywhere else they are required to carry out their duties.
“Body worn video can significantly enhance public confidence and support officer and public safety by providing effective and transparent evidence of police and public interactions.
“The technology will also improve the quality of evidence presented in court to deliver faster justice for victims by increasing early guilty pleas and reducing time spent at court for victims, witnesses and police officers.
"There is strong public and partner support for body worn video in Scotland and we will continue to explain our use of this important technology including assurance around data privacy and human rights considerations."
Introduction of the technology was one of the recommendations of Lady Elish Angiolini’s independent review of police complaints, and consultation in Scotland in which 81% of respondents agreed it would increase public confidence in policing.
Court evidence
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance said: “Body worn video can increase public confidence in policing and improve safety for police officers and staff. It can also benefit victims and witnesses of crime by allowing cases to be brought to court sooner.
“The use of body worn video is supported by a world leading £33 million Scottish Government initiative for sharing digital evidence from crime scene to court room. Digital Evidence Sharing Capability, which is also being rolled out across Scotland, is leading to efficiencies across the criminal justice system, delivering benefits for victims, police officers, prosecutors, defence lawyers, court staff and judges.”
