08/05/2014

Met Police To Wear Body Cameras

Police and firearm officers in London will begin wearing cameras on their uniforms from today, 8th May, as part of a trial aimed at increasing trust and speeding up justice for victims.

The move, which will see almost 500 officers wearing cameras, comes after criticism from the Metropolitan Police after the death of Mark Duggan, a 29-year-old man who was shot dead by a police sniper in Tottenham in August 2011.

Initially, the rule will be apply only as training, with a view to wearing them regularly if the pilot results are successful.

Met commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said: "Body-worn video will not only help us fight crime and support victims but help the Met to be more accountable.

"Our experience of using cameras already shows that people are more likely to plead guilty when they know we have captured the incident. That speeds up justice, puts offenders behind bars more quickly and protects potential victims."

The 10 boroughs in the capital taking part in the trial include Camden, Barnet, Bexley, Bromley, Brent, Croydon, Ealing, Havering, Hillingdon and Lewisham.

(CVS/CD)

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