A NEW roll-out of police body cameras has been backed by a district councillor and former police officer who has said he wishes they had been available when he was in the force.

Cllr Martin Wale, the district councillor for Blackdown, is a former police officer and a member of the police and crime panel for Somerset.

He said: "It is a really smashing bit of equipment. It is good for everyone. It is very good for the public and it really benefits the police as well.

"As members of the police and crime panel we had a presentation from the police constable.

"I have to say that it is great to see that both the police and crime commissioner (PCC) and constable have put their money where their mouth is.

"We on the panel have backed this all the way.

"The equipping of officers with body worn video has been discussed by the PCC's panel, on which I represent South Somerset District Council, for some time.

"Andy Marsh, on his appointment, made it one of his priorities to equip all officers. This decision was supported by the commissioner and panel.

"I personally agree with the issue of this equipment and wish it had been available during my days as a police officer.

"There were many times when I have stood in a witness box and been told that the evidence I had just given was not right and for some reason I was not telling the truth.

"It would have been nice to have run a video and shown not only the behaviour but the language of the person in the dock.

This equipment will also be useful when a complaint is made about police behaviour as this will certainly give a factual account for the investigation.

"When the video is recording it is plain to all that the equipment is on, and this should also have a calming effect.

"I'm sure wearing this equipment will also be good for the morale of the service as with so few officers available for our county they feel very vulnerable at times."

Avon and Somerset Chief Constable Andy Marsh, national police lead for body worn video, said: “When an officer wears a camera, the evidence captured is often much higher quality. I have seen earlier admissions and quicker pleas, together with better informed sentences and sanctions from courts.

“I want to equip my officers and PCSO’s so they can provide a high quality service to the public that is open and transparent, and keeps them safe. I believe that body worn video cameras will help us deliver this as well as helping to professionalise the service we offer.

“A picture paints a thousand words and this is a further step in using digitalisation to transform policing and the criminal justice service for the better.”