Police in Market Harborough have begun trialling the use of body worn cameras to support victims and witnesses. It is hoped the three-month Bodycam trial, which began on September 30, will reduce bureaucracy and form-filling exercises whilst providing the best possible evidence to support positive outcomes for local people.
Local officers wear the Bodycam on the opposite side to their Airwave police radio. Whilst the cameras have the capacity to record an entire shift, their use during the trial will be focused on collecting evidence from victims and witnesses.
Video evidence and video recording is being used in increasingly in the sector as technology become more sophisticated and cost-effective. Victims or witnesses will now be able to give their permission for officers to record a statement; they can then talk to the officer and relay their version of events whilst being recorded.
Inspector Paul McKinder, Commander of Market Harborough Local Policing Unit, said: “The Bodycam trial marks a new approach to the way we collect best evidence for local policing investigations.
“We are constantly seeking new ways to reduce instances of unnecessarily bureaucratic processes. In turn, this will free up the time local officers have to be out in the community; visible; and tackling the crime and anti-social behaviour which matters most to local people.
“The trial is going well so far. The public seem to be happy to be recorded in this way, safe in the knowledge that they have a choice to have a traditional paper statement taken, if they so wish.”
Anyone with information about crime and anti-social behaviour in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland is urged to call Leicestershire Police on 101* or Crimestoppers, which is free** and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.
