North Wales Police focus on benefits of body-worn video cameras

Police officers in North Wales are wearing state-of-the-art body-worn video cameras as the latest initiative to prevent crime and provide vital evidence for the courts.

The innovative video recorders are proving extremely popular with officers following a short trial which showed their deployment has helped lead to a drastic reduction in crime.

The constabulary has bought more than 70 VEEcam Ò cameras from Bristol-based technology innovator Persides. The VEEcam Ò – Video for Extreme Environments – is capable of gathering video or stills surveillance and is also ideal for gathering overt and covert intelligence for organisations which require the ability to reliably record skip-free, high-quality video images.

Persides Managing Director Mark Cook said: “Body-worn cameras are becoming hugely popular particularly in the fight against crime and in military operations. Certainly there is evidence to demonstrate that in areas where these cameras are deployed, the crime rate drops and they have proved a critical aid in helping to secure successful prosecutions.”

VEEcam Ò is also in service with Norfolk and Surrey police constabularies, and is undergoing extensive user trials with several other police authorities as well as fire and rescue services and British Transport Police. In North Wales police have been trained to use the video recorders across their region . Officers will use the cameras to record specific incidents during their shift, other staff will use the VEEcam Ò for specific operations.

Kevin Clark, who heads up the North Wales Police imaging unit, said: “These body worn video cameras can have a significant impact by providing officers with evidence that can be used in court to bring about successful prosecutions. The cameras are also a useful tool to prevent crime in the first place. If the public are aware that our officers have the ability to film while out on patrol, it will make people think twice before getting involved in criminal behaviour.”

The unique and robust VEEcam Ò , created by electronics systems and software specialists Persides, is also being used by military and security operatives working in some of the world’s most dangerous hotspots.

The highly durable VEEcam Ò system, which is waterproof, shock proof and resistant to both high and low temperatures, is able to produce quality video and stills photographs that can be replayed or downloaded using an ultra-low power source. Sophisticated, yet extremely easy to operate, VEEcam Ò is currently being used by military personnel operating in Afghanistan.

In military environments VEEcam Ò is capable of gathering surveillance from unattended ground sensors, unmanned air vehicles and dismounted close-combat soldiers. The new technology is also proving popular with extreme sports enthusiasts who crave adrenalin and want to record the action to either re-live the occasion or improve techniques.

Mark Cook added: “We feel there are unlimited opportunities where this kind of equipment can be utilised. Our research and development teams are working with our customers to provide them with bespoke equipment and software programmes to meet their individual requirements. We not only understand the technology but we also have an excellent understanding of areas such as the judicial system and how our equipment can be of benefit. We aim to offer our clients a complete end-to-end solution including training, logistics support and specialist advice.”

For more information please visit: www.persides.com