Hackney police to roll out body-worn video cameras tomorrow

Hackney police officers will tomorrow become the latest to patrol the streets with body worn video cameras.

It’s part of a general roll-out that recently included Camden and Islington and has so far seen 20 of 32 boroughs sign up.

Some 350 frontline police officers and PCSOs will be given cameras – useful tools, according to the Met, to “bring speedier justice for victims”.

“Body-worn video is a fantastic addition to the equipment we provide to our front line officers,” a spokeswoman said.

“The audio and visual capability will bring officers’ evidence to life, allowing judges, magistrates and jury members to see and hear what the officer experienced.

“Such footage will provide much needed context in our presentation of evidence.

“I see the issuing of the cameras as an important mechanism to combat crime and one which will support both officers and the public.”

The cameras have been flagged as a sign of transparency by the police, and particularly helpful when dealing with domestic abuse cases – with an increase in early guilty pleas from offenders who know they have been recorded.

The general public can obtain footage taken of themselves, after requesting it in writing.