Durham Constabulary has announced it is due to complete the rollout of body worn video cameras to all frontline police officers, Special Constables and Police Community Support Officers, by the end of March.
Assistant Chief Officer Gary Ridley said: “This is a big step forward for the force and the community.
“We are the first force in the country to issue all frontline officers and staff with a body worn video camera in order to capture evidence during the course of their duties.
“Both officers and staff regard them as helping them do their job more effectively and victims of crime can feel reassured that the cameras will help us deal with them more efficiently.
“A total of 800 cameras have been issued with training given to officers and staff. The cameras purchased deliver excellent value for money as they are a fraction of the price of some cameras on the market.”
Police & Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg said: “This directly supports my objectives of improving victim satisfaction and community confidence by giving officers the tools to do their job effectively.
“It has also led to the speedier resolution of complaints against officers which is also a positive.
“This is just one part of the investment in information technology which I am keen for the force to maximise, in order to manage the continued funding cuts imposed by the Government.”