Police to be given body cameras

Many forces have already introduced head-mounted mini-cameras

Northamptonshire police will be on the beat with head and body cameras in a bid to tackle violent crime.

Police hope the cameras will act as a deterrent and also help them to gather evidence of domestic abuse and anti-social behaviour.

The force has bought 62 cameras using £73,000 in Home Office and local authority partnership funding.

Officers will warn people they are using the cameras, so they are aware that they are being filmed.

Body armour

The cameras are portable and can be attached to an officer's body armour, cycle helmet or worn on a headband.

They do not record continuously but are turned on by the officer when appropriate.

Sgt Mark Worthington said: "They should reduce bureaucracy as officers will not have to spend time writing long statements, they can simply refer to the video footage.

"Hopefully the clarity of the evidence recorded will encourage offenders to admit the offences they are involved in and reduce the need for lengthy court cases."