Summary

Police Services have used video evidence for several decades. Video comes through local CCTV, police vehicle systems, and handheld devices (employed during specific operations).

BWV creates a video recording of an incident, and an audio recording. 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 would have seen, heard, and said, and what they did.

Police began to use BWV in the UK in 2006, with small-scale tests of a head-mounted video system in Plymouth (Devon and Cornwall Constabulary). It was generally recognised that the system significantly improved the quality of evidence provided by police officers at incidents. Today, BWV devices are implemented by every police force in the UK.

Safeguards

There is a strong evidential base to indicate the benefits of BMV. Police Scotland and the Authority acknowledge that there are also recognised concerns about BMV: privacy concerns, data concerns and third-party concerns. Introducing a new and emerging technology such as BWV must be balanced against police values of integrity, fairness, respect and human rights.

Police Scotland completed a full Equalities and Human Rights Impact Assessment (EqHRIA) and Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA). Police Scotland did this to understand potential concerns, and to see what can be done to address them. Impact assessments are reviewed and updated annually, to reflect changes in legislation, policy and technology.

Armed police officers will also be provided with standardised training on the use of BWV. They will be issued with a code of practice, and associated standard operating procedures (SOPs). These will give details on how BWV should be used during police duties.

The published briefing is available in 'Related Content' below.

Body Worn Video for Armed Policing - Tell Us Your Views?