Grampian Police to issue every officer with surveillance cameras while on duty

By FRANK URQUHART
Published on 25/07/2012 10:33

GRAMPIAN Police is to become the first force in Scotland to provide body worn surveillance cameras to every officer on duty.

The use of the pioneering video technology has already been successfully piloted in Aberdeen over the past 18 months and the scheme is now to be rolled out across the Moray and Aberdeenshire divisions.

A force spokesman said: “The force will soon have enough cameras that every single operational officer, or pair of officers on duty, will have access to the equipment.

“The cameras, which are smaller and lighter than a mobile phone, are worn on the upper body and have so far been utilised as part of a broad range of police work including city centre patrols, specific events, operations and during drugs search warrants. They take clear and accurate digital images with sound which provides additional evidence and can be critical.”

He added: “The cameras offer many benefits to both police officers and the community, as supported by an independent review on behalf of the Scottish Government. Of the cases proceeded with by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service which used the video footage as evidence, more than 90 per cent have resulted in an early guilty plea. This in turn has allowed substantial numbers of officers more time working in their communities and not abstracted to attend court.”

Superintendent Nick Topping, who has overseen the introduction of the surveillance scheme, said: “Throughout the pilot, we have been delighted by the difference the body worn video cameras have made. As an evidence-gathering tool they have surpassed our initial expectations and the results really do speak for themselves.”

He stressed: “These are being used in an overt manner by staff and will be clearly marked, ensuring everyone is aware of their presence. In addition, where at all possible staff will also advise people when they are being filmed. Staff will also be fully trained and follow strict guidance and any recording that is not required for evidence or other policing purposes will be destroyed.”