More officers from Devon and Cornwall Police and Dorset Police have been equipped with body worn video (BWV) cameras in a project launched on Monday (October 8).

The new cameras will add to the 300-plus already used by police across Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.

The two forces are planning to expand the use of the cameras over the next few years, aiming to have more than 2,800 by July 2019.

During the 2016/17 financial year Devon and Cornwall Police spent £468,440 on BWV equipment, which paid in part for 160 cameras.

Out of those 160 cameras, 38 went to officers in Plymouth.

Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Police & Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez, said: “I want to say a big thank you to our community who have been paying an additional one pound per month in their council tax since April to support policing. Part of this is being used to help fund BWV for our front line officers.

“We’ve been watching other forces closely who have used these type of cameras before and seen that footage obtained can lead to early convictions and guilty pleas by providing invaluable evidence in court.

“I am especially pleased that we are going to be able to help support our front line staff by capturing those who decide to assault them when they are out keeping us all safe.”

Project lead, Superintendent Claire Armes, said: “BWV will provide our officers and staff with vital technology. It is there to keep both the public and our officers safe.

“As well as bringing greater transparency to our policing activity, there are a number of operational benefits. The immediate capturing of vital evidence to support swift investigations and increased convictions rates particularly in the case of domestic abuse.”