Post by peterjohnglynn on May 18, 2007 3:48:04 GMT -5
The cigar-shaped camera, which is fitted underneath an officer's helmet, will record what the police witness during a night on patrol - helping them to gather evidence on law-breakers.Officers will wear high visibility jackets and armbands, letting the public know they are wearing the equipment and could be recording passers by.
The headcams will be introduced as part of Operation Fortitude, an initiative providing a high-profile police presence in the town centre on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The equipment will be unveiled for the first time this weekend - when a two-month trial begins in the town.
If successful, police will apply for a further four headcams to be issued to officers in Leek , UK.
Acting Inspector Steve Maskrey from Leek Police said: "I believe they will have a very positive impact. When people see officers wearing this equipment their behaviour does improve."
He added: "The cameras act as a deterrent but also it helps us to gain evidence on people and, once they sober up, they are often shocked into changing their attitude.
"We can also review this evidence and use it in a conviction if necessary.
"If the pilot is as successful as it has been in Newcastle, which I believe it will be, we will be applying for fund to implement more."
The headcams will be introduced as part of Operation Fortitude, an initiative providing a high-profile police presence in the town centre on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The equipment will be unveiled for the first time this weekend - when a two-month trial begins in the town.
If successful, police will apply for a further four headcams to be issued to officers in Leek , UK.
Acting Inspector Steve Maskrey from Leek Police said: "I believe they will have a very positive impact. When people see officers wearing this equipment their behaviour does improve."
He added: "The cameras act as a deterrent but also it helps us to gain evidence on people and, once they sober up, they are often shocked into changing their attitude.
"We can also review this evidence and use it in a conviction if necessary.
"If the pilot is as successful as it has been in Newcastle, which I believe it will be, we will be applying for fund to implement more."