GWENT Police are rolling out the use of body worn video cameras throughout the force area, following initial use in Newport City Centre.

This new and innovative policing approach will see cameras issued to police officers and community support officers throughout Gwent.

Body worn video cameras, which are mounted to clothing, have been successfully used in Newport City Centre since August and by other police forces such as the Metropolitan Police Service and Hampshire Constabulary.

Officers in Newport have found the cameras to be a great addition and the public response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Feedback includes:

“The more evidence the better. More cameras should equal less crime.”

“It will result in harsher sentences as Judges can see the footage.”

“It will allow the police to catch more criminals and ensure prosecution."

“Great for evidence gathering."

“They are a great idea because it backs up what people are saying“

The use of Body Worn Video Cameras has been shown to have a number of benefits including:

• Reducing crime and anti-social behaviour

• Increasing public confidence and victim satisfaction

• Providing transparency around the actions taken by officers and staff

• Recording evidence of incidents/offences

• Supporting an early guilty plea, helping to speed up the justice process

• Reducing the number of complaints against officers and staff

• Reducing the time taken for investigation of complaints against officers and staff

• Improving training and development for officers and staff

Gwent residents are being urged to give their views on the cameras in this survey

http://bit.ly/bodyworncameras