London riot police fitted with body-worn video cameras to ‘lift public confidence’

Riot police: Officers will be fitted with a body worn camera
BBC
Justin Davenport25 January 2017

Riot police in London are being issued with body-worn video cameras today in a roll-out of the equipment to specialist units.

About 600 officers from the Met’s Territorial Support Group are to receive the cameras with the aim of boosting conviction rates and bringing down complaints against police.

Chief Superintendent Craig Haslam, in charge of the TSG, said his officers face gang members armed with knives, weapons and firearms as well as often “ferocious violence” policing public order events.

He said: “Trials show the footage helps us present clear evidence and secure convictions at court. I believe this will be a positive step in enhancing public confidence in the TSG and the wider Met.”

The TSG has faced criticism over its policing methods.

Today’s roll-out will bring the total number of Met officers equipped with body-worn video to 7,500.

Cameras will be issued to other specialist units including the Marine Policing Unit, the Dog Support Unit, Mounted Branch and the Automatic Number Plate Recognition units in the coming months.

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