AROUND 1,600 officers and PCSOs at Cheshire Constabulary are now using body-worn video cameras .

In April, police and crime commissioner David Keane agreed to fund the purchase of the high-definition cameras for all frontline officers.

This followed on from the cameras initially being introduced to Cheshire’s firearms officers, Taser officers and football spotters.

There are now around 1,200 cameras and 200 docking stations across the force, meaning that every officer who comes on shift has access to a camera.

The majority of officers wear the cameras on their chest, with firearms officers sometimes wearing them on their headwear when deployed to an incident.

Superintendent Luke McDonnell, who has led the roll out, said: “Body-worn video is significantly improving the opportunity for officers to gather good evidence and we have already seen a number of incidents where it has been used to great effect.

“As well as supporting investigations, the footage has also helped clear up complaints we have had against officers and demonstrated the dangers our officers are facing when attending certain types of incidents."

Mr Keane went out on patrol with officers in Chester back in August to receive a demonstration of the new kit.

He said: “There is no doubt that this kit is providing extra protection for officers and the public by capturing assaults on police officers and other people on camera.

“It is also pleasing to see that since its introduction, body-worn video has been used to support investigations which is ultimately saving a great deal of time and money for both Cheshire Police and the courts.”