The Met’s roll-out of body worn cameras has been extended to the force’s armed response units.
As well as providing evidence to support convictions, the cameras also boost police transparency and accountability and provide officers with protection against malicious and unfounded complaints by providing video evidence of their actions and encounters with the public.
Cameras have already been issued to more than 17,500 frontline officers across the Met’s 32 boroughs, as well as to officers in specialist teams such as the Roads and Transport Policing Command, the Territorial Support Group and the Dog Support Unit.
Around 1,000 cameras will be issued to armed officers under the latest expansion, starting with those assigned to armed response units, who will wear the devices on their baseball caps and helmets.
Commander Matt Twist, in charge of the Firearms Command, said: “Officers who carry an overt firearm as part of their role very much welcome the use of Body Worn Video.
“It provides a documented and accurate account of the threats officers face and the split second decisions they make.
“The cameras also offer greater transparency for those in front of the camera as well as those behind it.”
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, added: “Body Worn Video is a huge step forward in bringing our capital’s police force into the 21st century and building trust and confidence in the city’s policing.”
“This technology is helping to drive down complaints against officers across London and will make a real difference to those carrying firearms, increasing accountability and helping to gather better evidence for swifter justice.
“As we complete the London-wide rollout, the cameras will also provide our officers with confidence in the transparency of their actions, as they continue their great work on the frontline fighting crime and keeping our city safe.”
