Headcams boost for beat officers

Frontline police officers in County Durham are to wear headcams while on routine patrol.

A £50,000 government grant has allowed the force to buy more than 60 cameras for beat officers and police community support officers on every shift.

Previously the force has used the devices to target domestic violence and night-time disorder.

The tiny cameras are worn on the side of the officer's head or helmet and record what the officer sees and hears.

Pc Paula Kempin, the officer co-ordinating the extended headcam scheme for Durham Police, said she was confident they would help deter people from committing crime and also provide opportunities to collect compelling evidence for court.

She said: "When anyone blights the lives of others by disorderly and unacceptable behaviour then we will record it and the courts will see it first hand."