New Home Office regulations will allow police to use body-worn
video to record interviews with suspects, under plans being
consulted on today (Wednesday 25 October).
Police can already use evidence captured by wearable cameras but
the changes will mean that, for the first time, they can be used
for suspect interviews away from the police station setting.
It follows joint work between the Home Office and police to help
maximise time spent on the frontline by officers and reduce
unnecessary trips to and from police stations.
Minister for Policing and the Fire Service, said:
Having met officers across England and Wales, I’ve seen how
technology is bringing 21st century solutions to age-old
policing problems.
I want our police officers to have access to the best possible
equipment, and to be able to use it to bring greater efficiency
to frontline policing.
We will keep looking for ways to save time and work more
effectively, and we will do everything we can to support forces
as they adapt for the future.
By the end of this year 60,000 body-worn video cameras will have
been deployed by police forces across England and Wales.
As part of the new regulations, the Home Office is also
strengthening the protections in place for interviewees and will
require all interviews with suspects to be recorded when a
working audio device is available.
The new plans set out in full suspects’ rights and entitlements
and also include a definition of vulnerability, so that it is
clear when interviews must be conducted with independent support
for the suspect from an appropriate adult and, if one is
requested, a solicitor.
