Thousands of recordings from police body-worn cameras shared with prosecutors

Body-worn video cameras used by Police Scotland officers have captured more than 864,000 recordings since the national rollout of the devices started in March last year, according to the latest data.

The force said that from this, almost 174,000 hours of footage have been uploaded, and more than 55,000 media files have been shared with the prosecution service.

The national rollout enters its final stage on Tuesday as it reaches Renfrewshire and Inverclyde (K Division) and Argyll and West Dunbartonshire (L Division), where officers will be provided with the devices over the coming weeks.

Police said the equipment can help de-escalate incidents, support the safety of officers and staff and improve public trust, as well as bringing benefits to the criminal justice system.

Chief Superintendent Conrad Trickett said: “The national rollout of body-worn video cameras to our frontline officers is a key priority for us and is one of the ways that we can work towards our vision of safer communities and less crime.

“The cameras and technology will improve the quality of evidence presented in court to deliver faster justice for victims by increasing early guilty pleas and reduce the time spent at court for victims, witnesses and police officers.

“Body-worn video can significantly enhance public confidence and support officer and public safety by providing effective and transparent evidence of police and public interactions.

“There is strong public and partner support for body-worn video and we will continue to explain our use of this important technology including assurance around data privacy and human rights considerations.”

Chief Constable Jo Farrell has prioritised the introduction of body-worn video since she took command of the force in October 2023.

Every frontline uniformed police officer, including special constables, will be expected to wear a video camera on their uniform while on duty.

They will activate it when using police powers – including arresting a suspect, executing a search warrant or during a stop-and-search.

Police staff in custody suites will also use cameras when interacting with people in custody.

Footage may be used as evidence, however police said it will not replace existing procedures and requirements when gathering information.

Video footage is uploaded to secure police systems and the evidence is shared with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).

The force said it remains a matter for COPFS to review the evidence on a case-by-case basis.