Body-Worn Video Will Be Deterrent Against Assaults

THE rollout of body-worn video cameras across the South Yorkshire Police frontline will prove to be a ‘useful deterrent’ against assaults on officers the county’s police Federation says.

South Yorkshire PCC Dr Alan Billings said the money had been set aside previously in the force’s budget to buy the equipment, which is already in use in the firearms unit.

And now plans have now been announced to get the kit out to all frontline officers, in a move backed by Federation Chairman Steve Kent.

Steve said: “We fully support it. I know there are some anxieties for officers who are not used to having them. But the feedback, I’ve spoken to other forces, other Federations and other cops who have had them are virtually unanimously positive.

“At the end of the day, it stops the false allegations, it deals with the investigations into officers early, and we understand from fracking operations throughout the country that it significantly cut the number of complaints against officers.

“It might need a little bit of a culture change, but it’s a good thing, and I think once it’s embedded and second nature to officers it’s going to help out a hell of a lot.”

Part of the training in body-worn video use is to ensure the public know they are being recorded, a factor Steve hopes will see a reduction in the level of aggressive behaviour officers face every day on the streets.

He explained: “I certainly think it’s a deterrent for aggressive behaviour because the video can be used evidentially, which is another plus point to it across the board.

“And it just gives them that deterrent if they’re going to make allegations against the officers, which we frequently see people making bogus claims, it’s going to make people think twice about it.”

He also said it will also provide useful support in Post-Incident Procedure (PIPs) investigations.

Steve added: “It won’t answer all the questions because it doesn’t always answer the officer’s rationale, because it’s the mindset of the officer using force or making rational decisions.

“But it certainly helps. It’s certainly better to have it there than not.

“So, we support it and will help out the force in any way we can.”