By Tim Ferguson, 21 November 2006 12:40
NEWS
A London police unit is tackling anti-social behaviour using small helmet-mounted digital cameras.
Officers in Haringey will use the cameras to gather digital images that can then be used as evidence in the event of court proceedings.
The cameras will first be used as part of the five-day Operation Aventail, which will be carried out by the borough's Safer Neigbourhood unit and focus on anti-social behaviour.
Detective superintendent Richard Wood, head of the operation, said in a statement: "Should anyone commit any offences the officers will instantly have the evidence to hand to help them apply for an ASBO or pursue criminal charges."
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The cameras are similar in size to an AA battery and the images are stored on a special utility belt. The kit costs around £1,800 per officer and has been funded by the council's Safer Communities Partnership.
DS Wood added that if the cameras prove successful they will be used by other Haringey units and could assist in police raids or police presence at football matches.
The unit is using several other tactics as part of Aventail. These include airport-style weapon searches, automated number plate recognition (to identify stolen vehicles), targeting of crime hotspot areas and an increased visibility of patrols.
Haringey Borough covers several London police stations in Tottenham, Wood Green, Hornsey, St Anns and Muswell Hill.
Comments
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1. Richard
How will this affect police - community relations?
Last week, the Queen made a delightfully relaxed & low-key visit to my village:
Obviously there were precautions etc. but the few visible police acted as "our" police rather than as an oppressive occupying force - rather like all police used to behave!
Will things like "helmet cams" affect the way that ordinary people view "their" police?
Also, if cameras didn't lie, movies would be pretty boring.
Appropriate technologies are great, especially if they reduce the police's ridiculous admin. but very great care is needed to avoid further damaging public trust in the police.
2. anonymous
More propaganda and marketing spin here!
What is the point of more evidence when we don't have any prison spaces to put them in, and Brown won't pay for them?
Surely a former Eastern Bloc Country could tender to keep to our prisoners at less costs thereby increasing our prison capacity.