First conviction using police body camera

The first case involving footage from a body cam worn by a police officer took place in Welshpool on Tuesday, when a defendant was sentenced for a public order offence.

It is the first time the footage has been used in a case involving Welshpool officers since the roll out of the cameras in March, which saw around 800 officers and PCSOs issued with the devices in Dyfed Powys.

The original plan was for the footage to be used as visual and audio evidence in court, meaning offenders were more likely to plead guilty and brought to justice faster.

That is exactly what happened on Tuesday as a defendant pleaded guilty and was sentenced for the offence.

Following the outcome of the case, Welshpool Police tweeted:

Chief Constable of the force Mark Collins was delighted with the results and is confident more convictions will come as a result of the cameras.

He said: “When we launched the cameras we said that they will give the public more reassurance and help officers gather valuable evidence.

“That has been seen with this case and I expect to see more and more use of the body worn cameras.

“I am pleased the benefits of this new technology are already being seen by the public.”

Another reason for the cameras being brought in was to improve the process of investigating complaints against officers, and making them more accountable to the public.

Officers will only record if there is a policing need and it is proportionate to do so.

The BWV cameras are clearly visible, and attached to the officer’s uniform, and the officers will announce when they begin and end filming,

When the cameras were rolled out Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llewellyn said: “The introduction of Body Worn Video is a positive move for the public. The use of the cameras supports transparency in policing and will aid the investigation of complaints against officers.

“Members of the public have a right to request footage of them within 31 days of any incident. I am confident that this will improve policing services.”

All footage recorded on BWV is subject to legal safeguards and guidance. Video not retained as evidence or for a policing purpose is automatically deleted within 31 days.

Members of the public can view the footage by writing to obtain it under the Freedom of Information Act.

It comes just weeks after Welshpool Town Council also issued four cameras to members of staff to crack down on issues in the town, including fly tipping.

The four cameras were purchased by the council at a cost of around £80 each, and Town Clerk Robert Robinson is the cameras help to clear up the last bits of fly tipping in the town.

Mr Robinson said: “We’ve had them used for three weeks now and they are very, very clear.

“They aren’t as big as the police ones and you can’t really notice them.

“We don’t know yet if there is anything on the footage we can use, but there is no doubt that fly tipping has reduced, and is now cleaned up almost straight away.”