Prisoner Transport Vans To Be Fitted With Cameras

All Metropolitan Police prisoner transfer vans are to be fitted with cameras in an effort to improve transparency and public confidence.

Almost all of the force's current fleet of transport vehicles have been kitted out with five cameras, three microphones and two monitors.

The systems has been rolled out following two trials in 2012 in Lambeth and Haringey Boroughs.

Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, said: "I made a promise that we would do this after concerns were raised by a number of bereaved families, including the family of Sean Rigg, who died in custody after he was conveyed in a police van to Brixton police station.

"I'm pleased that the installation of the technology in the vans is nearing completion. The footage provided by these cameras will provide a great opportunity to increase our transparency and ensure we're doing our job properly.

"This is part of the rollout of new technology to the frontline and will serve to join up images from body worn cameras, which will be rolled-out across London in the coming months, with those already captured in our custody suites.

"This equipment will be able to make a record of some of the very challenging circumstances police officers are asked to deal with on a daily basis and then demonstrate, more effectively, the reality of policing our capital and our officers' professionalism."

The system turns on when the ignition is started, audio and visual recording commences immediately. Both systems continue recording for 30 minutes after the ignition is switched off.

The cameras are positioned to record outside the vehicle at the front and rear. Inside, there are three further cameras which provide internal views of the seated detainee cell area and the officer escort area.

(MH)