A £1MILLION investment made by Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion to introduce Body Worn Video in West Mercia has been proven to benefit communities, victims and police.

The technology was rolled out ahead of schedule in September last year and has since been praised for saving time for both the police and the justice system.

In an average month, over 13,000 clips are recorded, of which more than 2000 are used in evidence.

The footage can now be shared digitally with the Crown Prosecution Service to use in court and charging decisions.

A Cambridge University Study showed the technology could reduce complaints by 93 per cent, and West Mercia Police claim complaints are being dealt with quicker than before it was introduced.

Mr Campion said: “Body Worn Video is playing a significant part in my plans to reform and modernise West Mercia Police.

“I am pleased to see it having such a positive impact. One of my key promises was to equip West Mercia Police with the tools to do their difficult jobs to the best of their abilities, and I have delivered on this.

“Not only does it provide a higher quality of service for victims, but it makes the police service more transparent, helping to give our communities greater confidence in the police service.”

Martin Evans, Assistant Chief Constable of West Mercia Police said: "The introduction of Body Worn Video has allowed us to take a substantial step forward in modernising our policing operations.

“The ability to directly record evidence from the scene of all types of incidents has made successful prosecutions easier to achieve.

“Our officers appreciate the protection as negative behaviour often calms down once people know a recording is being made.

“The cameras have rapidly become an essential part of modern policing and protecting people from harm is more efficient as a result.”