Why use Body Worn Video in policing?

Police Services have, for several decades, used video evidence from CCTV, Police vehicle systems and hand-held devices employed during specific operations.

In the UK, the Police use of BWV commenced with small-scale tests of a head-mounted video system in Plymouth (Devon and Cornwall Constabulary) in 2006. The system significantly improved the quality of evidence provided by Police Officers. Today, BWV is used by every Police Force in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

BWV creates a video and audio recording of an incident. The position of the camera means those watching the footage see the situation from the Officer's perspective. The camera acts as an independent witness, showing what a Police Officer saw, heard, said and did.

The use of BWV in policing offers several significant advantages. BWV enhances the transparency of policing operations, as recorded footage can be reviewed, scrutinised, and submitted as evidence, thereby increasing accountability for both officers and offenders. 

A major advantage of BWV is the provision of increased evidential quality. Traditionally, a Police Officer will make a written record of an incident, including language and gestures used, as soon as possible after the
incident occurs.

Using BWV, the incident is recorded in real time and in high definition. It is limited only by the field of the camera’s view, and audio range.

The resultant digital evidence is therefore more accurate and detailed than was previously possible. Doubts over what was said or done by any person can be reduced.

In the same context, BWV footage has been found to streamline investigations into complaints
made against Police Officers by members of the public.

BWV can provide an accurate record of the situation and this has been proven to reduce investigative time.