Police in Coventry to get body worn video cameras - The Coventry Observer

Police in Coventry to get body worn video cameras

Coventry Editorial 28th Jul, 2018   0

POLICE officers in Coventry will be equipped with body worn video cameras.

The technology, which clips on to an police officer’s uniform, is already in daily use by 1,500 response, firearms and other specialist officers.

This summer’s rollout sees a further 2,400 officers, working on neighbourhood teams, force support, the operational support unit and traffic, receiving the kit – at a cost of almost £4million.

The next phase of the rollout was agreed in April with plans finalised earlier this month.




The rollout has now started at stations and departments across the force.

Over 1,000 have already been delivered to eager officers this week, with the technology having made a significant impact on policing since they first became part of an officer’s routine kit, 18 months ago.


Chief superintendent Chris Todd said: “Body worn cameras have changed the face of policing.

“Since we first piloted their use, some three years ago now, we have seen more and more evidence of the positive impact they have had on prosecutions, the number of complaints we receive, early guilty pleas and compliance in situations where suspects resist arrest.

“Our officers love the protection the cameras afford them and the public view their use positively too.

“It was always our plan that, when budget allowed, we would make sure all of our frontline officers have their own cameras and it’s wonderful to see that coming to life today.”

All officers go through training before receiving and using the cameras for the first time, and detectives or officers who are not fully operational are set to have access to pooled cameras for use as and when required.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said: “Pleased to see West Midland Police are rolling out more body worn cameras from this week. This technology saves officers time as well as increasing the transparency of their encounters with the public.”

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