Largest BWV deployment is ‘positive step’ for MPS traffic officers

Traffic officers across London will be issued with body-worn video cameras in the Metropolitan Police Service’s (MPS’s) largest rollout of the technology so far. Around 900 Roads and Transport Police Command (RTPC) officers in four sites were given BWV cameras on Monday (June 26). Another 950 officers from the Safer Transport Team will receive the technology over the summer – and plans have been made to give cameras to remaining taskforce units. The MPS has already deployed BWV cameras in 22 boroughs and among its Territorial Support Group. Since September 2016, it has recorded more than 371,650 videos using the devices. Superintendent Thomas Naughton said the cameras will help officers support the evidence chain when apprehending serious criminals. “The BWV will also in the longer term reduce the abstraction rate of officers attending court and most importantly support officer safety,” he added. “Trials show the footage helps us to present clear evidence and secure convictions at court. “I believe this equipment is a positive step in enhancing public confidence in the RTPC and the wider Met.”