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THE next time you see a Devon and Cornwall Police officer they might well be wearing a new bit of kit which is transforming the way evidence is gathered.

Over the past couple of weeks that body worn video cameras have been popping up in stations across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

This is an exciting time for the force – these small cameras are a huge technological step forward and will help gather vital evidence and protect our officers.

As we see the roll out of body worn video to all out frontline staff over the coming months I think it’s important members of the public know what body worn video is, when it will be used and why the chief constable and I decided this is an area in where we need to be investing.

Body worn video cameras are attached to an officer, usually just below the shoulder, recording incidents and interactions when necessary.

Forces that are already using this technology and have seen that recordings can lead to early convictions and guilty pleas by providing indisputable evidence in court.

This speeds up the criminal justice process, making it more efficient and effective for victims of crime.

The footage also provides greater transparency to the public by giving unbiased evidence in complaints against officers and helps support our front line staff by capturing those who decide to assault them when they are out keeping us all safe.

The law says that police can use body worn video in both public and private premises so long as its use is proportionate, legitimate and necessary – essentially meaning where it can be justified.

Body worn video cameras will always be visible and on the outside of an officer’s uniform – the aim is not to deceive or try and catch anyone out but capture valuable evidence to be used in court.

Cameras will not be on all the time recording officers carrying out general patrolling duties but there are a number of scenarios where there is an expectation for an officer to always use body worn video. Some of these include domestic incidents, carrying out a stop and search, stopping a vehicle and any use of force.

In phase one of the roll out of body worn video in Devon and Cornwall officers based in Camborne, Camborne Traffic Centre, Charles Cross, Crownhill, Devonport, Plympton and Torquay will receive cameras. But this is a forcewide project and officers in many other locations have started to receive training in preparation the next phase of the roll out – even in some of our most rural, isolated communities like the Isles of Scilly!

I think most of you will agree that body worn video will become a fantastic tool in all our officers’ tool kits – a key piece of equipment for modern day policing and evidence gathering to keep officers and the public safe.

You can follow the progress of the body worn video roll out on Twitter at @DCP_DP_BWV.