Body Worn Video cameras will be rolled out across the West Mercia Police force next year.

The news follows the confirmation of financial backing and support by the Police and Crime Commissioner West Mercia Police to fund the technology.

The roll out, will see Firearms and Taser trained officers amongst the first to receive this equipment; followed by patrol officers with plans for all front-line operational officers to eventually be equipped with the cameras. Due to the scale of this project, the deployment is being managed in a phased approach over 2017.

Assistant Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said: “We are committed to ensuring that front-line officers receive the best possible equipment to support them in delivering a quality policing service and we believe that the roll out of Body Worn Video in 2017 will be essential in achieving this. Body Worn Video will also help build public confidence in the police by increasing transparency as well as allowing us to secure stronger evidence to support our fight against crime. It has also been shown that BWV contributes to a significant reduction in complaints against officers. This vital technological upgrade is an important step in realising our vision of becoming a fully modernised police force.”

“We have worked closely with both the Police and Crime Commissioners, and we are collectively committed to ensuring officers receive the best possible equipment to support them in delivering a quality policing service. We firmly believe that the roll out of BWV will be essential in achieving this.”

John Campion, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner said: “I promised our communities I would reform and modernise their police service to ensure better efficiency, effectiveness and value for money. This investment demonstrates how I am delivering on that promise. By making sure our police have the tools they need to do their difficult jobs to the best of their abilities, it will make much better use of their time and resources all round.”

“This technology is also about reassuring our communities and giving them confidence. The cameras provide clarity and evidence about what has happened at incidents involving the police, which I know will also be beneficial for officers.”

“I have seen first hand the benefits these cameras have and have led the push for their introduction. I am pleased to have reached this milestone and will continue to hold the Chief Constable to account to ensure the cameras are introduced on time, on budget and then used appropriately across the force.”