Cops and wardens get CCTV body cameras

Apr 17 2009 by Andrew Newport, Paisley Daily Express

POLICE and community wardens in Renfrewshire are to be equipped with state-of-the-art body cameras in a groundbreaking new move to fight crime.

In a first for Scotland, both police officers and council wardens will wear the small CCTV devices strapped to their bodies to record incidents.

The innovative approach is being jointly launched by Strathclyde Police and Renfrewshire Council.

Superintendent Donald McCallum explained: “This is a first for partnership working in Scotland.

Specially selected police officers and council wardens will wear the cameras to impact on anti-social behaviour.

“The lightweight device is clearly visible on the officer’s uniform.

“It will not record continuously, but will be used by officers to document incidents they are attending, recording what an officer sees, hears and says, as well as providing additional prosecution evidence, if required.

“We are continually looking at innovative approaches to targeting anti-social behaviour. This new technology will be used to deter such criminality, gather evidence, provide corroboration and show openness and accountability.”

The cameras will also provide protection for officers, without restricting their actions or movements, by acting as a visible deterrent to any potential assailant – making a clear statement that their actions will be recorded.

Superintendent McCallum added: “Importantly, as the camera records the actions of the officer, it will increase accountability and reduce the scope for false allegations.”

The initiative was developed by Communities Inspector John Laing, who operates from the Division’s Johnstone office.

He explained: “Community Police Officers and Wardens will use the cameras on mobile, foot and mountain bike patrols, articularly within locally defined hot spots.

“I would like to reassure the public that there are strict protocols and guidelines governing the use of the cameras and any video image not required for evidential purposes will be automatically destroyed after 31 days.”

Thie project has been funded by Renfrewshire Council and supported by the Area Procurator Fiscal.

Renfrewshire Council has 46 wardens who work in teams of two. One body-mounted camera will be used per pair.

Councillor Brian Lawson, the Council’s community safety spokesperson, said: “The body-mounted cameras will support the use of two cctv vans by our wardens and anti-social behaviour investigations team.

“Images captured by these cameras can be vital in identifying those responsible for carrying out anti-social behaviour.

“Our wardens were relaunched last year with a wider role of working with community police to tackle anti-social behaviour and environmental crime such as dog-fouling and littering.

“The use of these cameras will assist the wardens in carrying out their duties and lead to further reduction in crime in our communities.

“Renfrewshire Council and the police, along with other partner agencies are working together to make Renfrewshire a safer place to live, work and visit over the next three years.”