Police body-worn cameras roll-out expands across Glasgow

Police officers in Glasgow are set to begin using body-worn video cameras next week.

It is hoped the introduction of the cameras will improve public trust in policing, reduce complaints and provide “transparent” evidence.

The national rollout started in March last year in Tayside. At a meeting on Thursday, chief superintendent Emma Croft, divisional commander for Greater Glasgow, said the cameras are scheduled to go live in Glasgow next week.

Around 2,000 uniformed officers will wear them, she told the Safe Glasgow partnership, which scrutinises police and fire activity in the city.

A report to the partnership states the rollout of the cameras for the Greater Glasgow division will start on March 24.

Ch Supt Croft said: “We are very much looking forward to being in line with much of the force now.”

She told the partnership that feedback so far has been “predominantly positive”, with reports of improved trust and confidence in policing and understanding of “the context that officers are facing”.

Officers, who have been undergoing training on how to use the cameras, will start recording when attending calls or approaching the public. The report states the rollout is “one of our chief constables’ commitments, helping make our communities safer”.

It adds that the cameras can “de-escalate incidents, improve public trust in policing, reduce complaints, support officers and staff safety and provide effective and transparent evidence of police and public actions”.

Video footage can also bring “wider benefits to the criminal justice system”, the report continues, including “early justice to victims… and reducing time spent at court by victims, witnesses and police officers”.