The benefits of Body Worn Video in policing

BWV enhances public trust by fostering greater transparency and decreasing the number of complaints against officers. Research indicates substantial improvements in operational effectiveness and the timely
resolution of complaints across various Police Forces.

Furthermore, it reduces the number of officers required to attend court, particularly in relation to DESC and Summary Case Management, by streamlining case information.

Additionally, BWV significantly contributes to Officer safety and well-being, resulting in fewer assaults and improved reporting. It also enhances Officer morale and job satisfaction while reducing the duration of restricted duties pending investigations.

The initial phased rollout of BWV devices will begin in Spring 2025 and will include approximately 10,000 frontline response Officers and over 700 public-acing operational staff members to address the daily demands of a national policing service. The initial phase of rollout is expected to take around 12 months. 

This rollout will include the implementation of comprehensive training, processes, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and rules of engagement to ensure the effective deployment of BWV systems.

Furthermore, this initiative may involve the installation of BWV infrastructure in approximately 260 police stations across Scotland, thereby creating more sustainable, modern, and secure workspaces for officers and staff engaged in public-facing operational roles.

This technology significantly enhances the quality of evidence in both criminal and non-criminal
investigations, thereby strengthening court cases and reducing the number of cases dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

The implementation of BWV will not serve as a replacement for traditional policing techniques; officers will continue to gather and document evidence through conventional methods, such as obtaining statements from
members of the public.

Officers will activate their cameras at the commencement of an incident or encounter and will, under normal circumstances, continue recording until it is no longer deemed 'proportionate or necessary.’ Whenever
practicable, officers will inform individuals that they are utilising the BWV device to record the interaction.