ATTEMPTS to cut crime in Warwickshire have been given a boost with the launch of headcams to catch offenders in action.
Following an initial pilot, 32 headcams have been bought by Warwickshire Police to help officers gather evidence of crimes taking place.
Last year, the force trialled the new technology in Leamington, Warwick, Kenilworth, Nuneaton and Bedworth.
Officers used the cameras to accumulate evidence to support prosecutions for incidents such as domestic abuse, anti-social behaviour and public disorder.
The pilot scheme proved successful in increasing protection to communities and the 32 new headcams will now be distributed across the force for use.
The Body Worn Video equipment records images and sound that can then be replayed.
The evidence recorded on the equipment is submissible in court and magistrates can see an individual’s behaviour in real time. The headcams self adjust for light and officers cannot edit anything on the recorder.
Chief Inspector Martin McNevin, who headed up the pilot scheme, said: “This is excellent news for the people of Warwickshire.
“The implementation and use of Body Worn Video equipment is seen as a positive step in securing evidence and information, to increase the level of protection that we afford our communities from harm.
“This technology is evolving rapidly and although we already have had some experience using headcams where they have proved valuable, we now have good technology to gather information throughout the county.
“We are hoping that the overt use of recording equipment will be a real deterrent to any potential offenders who we expect will modify their behaviour as soon as they see the cameras.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to increase the level of protection to our communities in Warwickshire and we will be encouraging officers to use the headcams as often as possible.”
No comments:
Post a Comment