Police to arm more officers with bodycams

POLICE bosses want to increase the number of officers equipped with body cameras that have become “crucial” to capturing evidence.

Northumbria Police has gone out to tender on the purchase of more body-worn video cameras for its frontline officers, in a bid to improve chances of successfully prosecuting criminals.

The recording devices were first introduced by the force in 2015, and it currently has 410 of the high-tech units.

While the cameras were primarily introduced for response officers and Operation Sanctuary staff, they are now shared more widely by neighbourhood officers, the firearms support unit and other teams.

Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Bacon said: “I am really committed to investing in technology to best meet the needs of the communities we serve and the challenges our officers face.

“Body-worn video cameras have been used effectively by us for a number of years and are an important way to catch evidence first-hand. We are currently out to tender to purchase more cameras to ensure personal issue for all frontline officers.

“They are crucial in capturing key evidence, especially in cases such as domestic violence where there are vulnerable victims.

“This ultimately increases the likelihood of a successful prosecution.”

Once tenders have been received for the new bodycams, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird will be asked to sign off on the deal.

The expected cost of the project and the number of new cameras to be purchased is unknown.

Earlier this year, frontline Nexus staff on the Tyne and Wear Metro were issued with bodycams in a bid to clamp down on anti-social behaviour and ticket dodging.

The footage captured will be made available to police to support any prosecutions. Video Reporter A COMMUNITY project putting yet more pride into a Tyneside suburb has been nominated for a Chronicle Champions award.

The Edible Elswick initiative in Newcastle’s West End is in the Green Champion category sponsored by The Banks Group.

Volunteers have devoted their time to improving the area’s green spaces and building community spirit.

Founded in 2010, the project continues to grow vegetables as well as grow in size.

Edible Elswick development worker Johurun Nessa said: “It’s amazing. We are really chuffed to be nominated for an award.

“We work mainly in Elswick Park but also all of the surrounding estates in Elswick.

“We very much recognise it’s a place where people don’t always have the most positive opinion on where we live.

“The project is all about changing that and making a difference in the public spaces.

Edible Elswick organises regular clean-ups of Elswick Park picking up litter, tidying play areas, planting flowers and clearing paths.

The Chronicle went along to one of these events in June and met people using their time for the benefit the community.

Bringing people together helps to break the ice and build bonds between neighbours.

Johurun said: “I think parks are one of those places everybody really cares about.

“When we call out for support we get lots of people turning about. We’ve had a really good reaction from the local residents and are grateful for their help.”

Edible Elswick is also responsible for the public garden outside the park’s pavilion. It is linked with the West End Community Bakery which plans to open up in a dedicated space in the future.

This summer the initiative has planned a series of clean-ups and events for people to get involved in. The biggest of these is the End of Summer Celebration lined up for September 8.

Edible Elswick is based at the West End Women and Girls Centre on Elswick Road, but receives support from the NHS Change 4 Life campaign, Centre West and Newcastle City Council. The Green Champion award is presented to a group, project, business or individual who has shown outstanding initiative and determination in active environmental work.