Alan Travis, redattore domestico di affari
Giovedì 12 luglio 2007
Il guardiano

Polizia, macchina fotografica, azione! è infine trasformarsi in oggi in una realtà con il segnale di partenza del Ministero degli Interni per gli ufficiali in i vigore attraverso l'Inghilterra ed il Galles da pubblicarsi con “le camme del casco„.

Le mini macchine fotografiche digitali, legate alle fasce del casco di perlustrazione degli ufficiali di polizia, devono essere usate filmare le scene late-night rowdy, bevitori di underage, confronti discutibili di ricerca e di arresto ed avvenimenti domestici di violenza.

Le macchine fotografiche possono memorizzare fino a 400 ore di metraggio con la colonna sonora sul loro azionamento duro, con una durata della batteria di otto - 12 ore. The footage can be played back on a four-inch (10cm) screen attached to the officer’s belt. Future versions may use a memory card or even live streaming technology to transmit the pictures to a nearby vehicle or communications centre.

The decision to adopt the helmet-cam technology follows small-scale trials in Plymouth by the Devon and Cornwall police, who used the head mounted video system to improve the quality of evidence provided by officers who attended domestic violence incidents.A wider trial involving 300 trained officers using 50 cameras in as many operational situations as possible followed. It found the helmet cam had significant advantages over hand-held video systems as officers did not need the support of a minder to use the equipment, both hands remained free and their peripheral vision was not hindered when they used the camera.

The police minister, Tony McNulty, said the cameras could significantly improve the quality of evidence provided by police officers and increase the proportion of offenders brought to justice: “I am delighted to be able to announce £3m for the police service which will enable forces to make this valuable technology available to frontline police officers,” he said.

The cash will initially enable each force to buy eight camera units at £1,700 each. But the police have been warned by the Home Office that they are expensive, and forces should not create the expectation that all officers will be able to have video equipment with them at all times.

Guidance published today on the use of helmet cams warns officers not to use them if a member of the public simply approaches them to ask a question, and it will be regarded as good practice to say if the camera is switched on.

Before the cameras are used in a new area, the Home Office advises police to mount a media campaign with warning posters. In Plymouth they used posters saying “Glass head”, “Police, camera, action!”, “Handcuffed” and “Video Screen”. Officers are to wear a sign and to announce: “I am video recording you.”

The guidelines tell officers they can use the cameras in situations where they would normally have made a written record. The cameras should not be used in general patrolling unless it is part of a specific operation, such as public order duties. Recordings not to be used in evidence should be deleted within 31 days.

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