'Head cams' used to tackle abuse

The cameras will give an eye-level view of the incident

Police are to use head-mounted video cameras in their fight against domestic violence.

Officers in Wakefield will use the "head cams" to give an eye-level view of incidents when responding to reports of domestic abuse.

The cameras, which record pictures, can assist in providing evidence to prove offences where victims may be unwilling to go to court.

The nine cameras have been funded by Wakefield Council.

Court evidence

Insp Jackie Turton, from Wakefield's Domestic Violence Team, said: "The head cameras will capture the reaction of the victim, the initial scene itself, the demeanour of the suspect if they are still present - all the things that the Crown Prosecution Service and magistrates may not get to see."

The tiny cameras will be fitted onto the side of the officers' headgear and will capture audio and visual material, which is then fed back and stored on a hard drive.

They are already used by police elsewhere in the West Yorkshire force and will now be used specifically to tackle domestic violence incidents in Wakefield.

Councillor Olivia Rowley said: "This new initiative demonstrates that Wakefield Council, along with its partners, is committed not only to providing domestic abuse services for those who experience this crime, but also to ensuring that those who perpetrate domestic abuse crimes, take responsibility for their actions."