To receive an oral update from the PCC on the roll out of BWV across Dorset Police.
Minutes:
The PCC updated members on the roll-out of BWV across Dorset
Police as detailed below:
‘As the Panel knows, I pledged to work with Dorset
Police to improve Force technology and infrastructure. One element of this
included a commitment to continue work from my first term of office to
introduce Body Worn Video (BWV) for police officers.
I believe they are a vital tool to increase the evidence
gathering ability of the police, especially in domestic abuse and public order
scenarios. They also provide an unbiased record of what an officer has
experienced, making the police more transparent and officers’ actions more
accountable. Cameras can help diffuse difficult situations as people behave
differently when told they are being filmed, as well as proving extremely
useful in court to assist officers who have been assaulted and in cases of
complaints against police. Public surveys undertaken by my team have shown
consistent support from the public in introducing this tactic to the policing
of Dorset.
As a quick reminder for those who are new, BWV was
introduced with a pilot scheme in Bournemouth in 2016 and thereafter usage was
phased-in across Dorset thereafter. The introduction of BWV was, in part,
funded by money raised through my precept setting responsibilities. My office
was heavily involved in the governance of this process, primarily through the
force’s change and transformation board, PRISM, which my Chief Executive
attends. This included having oversight of the budgeting and procurement
process.
In May 2019 the decision was taken to expand the roll out to
include access and availability to members of the Special Constabulary. By
October 2019, there will be 913 camera devices in operation within Dorset
Police (and approximately 3,000 across the alliance) – with a mixture of
personal issue to individual frontline officers and shared issue for those on
less frequent frontline duties (eg Sergeants). While it is still too early to
appreciate the full impact and benefits of the introduction of BWV in Dorset,
the initiative has been well received by both officers and members of the
public. Early indications are also that partner agencies appreciate the availability
and benefits of real-time visual evidence.
One ‘anecdotal’ account of the benefits of BWV was submitted
by DCI Sarah Derbyshire (then of the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT))
relating to the capturing of “some compelling and relevant evidence for the
investigation team” following the murder of Stela Domador-Kouza in 2018. Ryan
Thornton has subsequently been found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.
A number of positive testimonies and experiences were captured as part of the
pilot scheme evaluation.
As part of a Spotlight Scrutiny Review undertaken by this
Panel, it was concluded that “there was clear evidence both nationally and
locally… that the use of BWV does impact on prevention and detection of crime,
nuisance and disorder” and that “there is clear evidence of the force being
held to account” by me for the project.
Furthermore, my independent
scrutiny panels are also making use of this new technology to view footage in
cases of Use of Force and Stop and Search, thereby giving them a greater
ability to understand and assess Force activity on behalf of the public. An
evaluation survey is currently in process and I expect to hear the results of
this later this year.’
A link to the Independent member’s scrutiny report on BWV can be accessed via this link:-
Noted