Firearms officers have begun piloting new ‘Body Worn Video’ cameras as part of Scotland Yard’s efforts to boost public confidence in the police.
Members of the Met’s Trojan Proactive Unit started wearing the cameras last week following previously announced trials at a training facility.
The operational test will assess the wearing of cameras on different parts of the body, including the chest area and shoulder, as part of day-to-day policing.
Officers in 10 boroughs are already using body worn cameras as part of a trial due to run until the end of the financial year.
The results of the trial will be evaluated by the Mayor’s Office for Policing And Crime (MOPAC) before any decision to routinely deploy the cameras is taken.
Footage from the cameras be used as evidence in criminal proceedings as well as supporting or disproving complaints against officers.
Announcing the use of cameras by firearms officers, Commissioner Sir Bernard-Hogan-Howe said: “This is the next step towards us improving our policing service to Londoners through the use of technology.
“It allows us to be more open and accountable to the public we serve.”
