Body-cams rolled out to Shropshire police officers
Frontline police officers in Shropshire will be equipped with body-cams as part of a million pound investment.
West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion, recently signed off on the technology deal which will see officers and staff in Shropshire wearing cameras in a bid to combat crime.
Officers in Telford were given the cameras earlier this year but the technology is now being rolled out across Shrewsbury, Whitchurch, Ellesmere, Oswestry, Bishops Castle, Church Stretton, Ludlow, Cleobury Mortimer and throughout Shropshire’s rural communities.
Mr Campion said the roll out is ahead of schedule, with officers in Telford and Worcestershire already using the technology, and Herefordshire to follow in the coming weeks.
"This technology plays a big part in my vision for a reformed, reassured and safer West Mercia, and I am pleased to see it being rolled out ahead of schedule," he said.
"It is already clear that the increased transparency which the video provides is re-assuring the public and our officers, giving our communities greater confidence in the police service. The higher quality of evidence this delivers, provides a higher quality of service for victims and increases the chance of justice being served.
"This, along with a number of other changes to technology, exemplifies how I am delivering on the promise I made to our communities to deliver the modern, forward thinking police force that they deserve.”
Superintendent Jason Wells said the introduction of body-cams will transform the way the police deal with crime.
He added: "The roll-out of body worn video across Shropshire is a welcome development that gives our officers another powerful tool to help protect our communities from harm, and ensure those who break the law can be dealt with effectively.
"Video captures events in a way that cannot be represented in written statements. Footage helps to show the real impact a crime can have on victims, and helps to ensure total transparency in police actions, and in a suspect's behaviour.
"This video evidence can help us resolve complaints quickly and fairly, and further improve public confidence in local policing."
