PSNI Officers To Use Body Worn Video Cameras

Police officers in Northern Ireland are to use Body Worn Video cameras while on duty.

A pilot scheme was successfully introduced in the Foyle area and is part of a £1.5million investment by the Department of Justice.

Chief Superintendent Chris Noble said: "Video evidence puts the victims of crime first. The pilot of this technology in Foyle district evidenced how Body Worn Video has the potential to improve the quality of evidence provided by Police officers and thereby increase the number of offenders brought to justice. Video evidence provides a compelling account of events and enables the raw emotion and action from a scene to be replayed in the courts in a manner that could never be captured in a witness statement.

"It also supports accountability and transparency, both of which are key elements in increasing public confidence in policing. The introduction of this new technology is the latest example of our commitment to these principles as we continue to work together with the community to keep people safe."

Belfast Policing District Board Chair Anne Connolly said: "As a Board we welcome this next stage of the introduction of Body Worn Video Cameras to police officers and the investment it represents for both policing and the community.

"This technology has proven to be valuable in many policing situations. The evidential benefits it can bring in assisting the prosecution of cases and particularly in cases of domestic abuse is well documented. The Board has been a strong advocate and supporter for the camera scheme and we hope the public also recognise the benefits it will bring to the day-to-day delivery of the service."

(CD)