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Head cams issued to Blaby officers

Posted on 28/04/2009

arrest,villain,police,constabulary Head cams issued to Blaby officers

Police officers in Blaby will now be able to film incidents and arrests with head-mounted video cameras - using the footage as vital evidence.

Newly appointed commander at Blaby local policing unit, Inspector Jon Brown, has welcomed the new technology and says the ‘head cams' will help to further reduce crime in the area.

He said: "The clear evidence provided by head camera footage means that offenders have less opportunity to deny their involvement, leading to less paperwork for the police, earlier guilty pleas, less time spent in court and an increase in convictions.

"We can capture early evidence at the scene of domestic violence incidents and increase convictions amongst those causing anti-social behaviour.

"The use of head cameras has the potential to improve significantly the quality of evidence provided by police officers in the drive to reduce crime, the fear of crime and increase the proportion of offenders brought to justice.

"Local communities should also feel confident that their neighbourhood officers are now even better equipped to deal with matters that concern them."

Seven head mounted video cameras have been given to Blaby Police, to be used by officers across the District. Five have been paid for by Leicestershire Constabulary and two have been provided by Whetstone Parish Council.

Domestic Violence Coordinator for Blaby District Council, Jill Stevenson, said: "Domestic Violence is massively under reported and under recorded. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, male or female, who has been emotionally or physically hurt, isolated or abused by someone who they should have been able to trust.

"The new headcams will provide important evidence to bring the perpetrators to justice in those cases where the police are involved."

If you are a victim of domestic violence and want help or support, please contact Jill Stevenson on 0116 272 7785 or 07900 226875.