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the latest body worn camera live streaming technology will be switched on, making us the first force in the country to use it and allowing officers to remotely view another officer’s body cam.
The new upgraded cameras mean that when they’re in record mode, anyone with a valid operational reason can see that footage in real time, giving officers greater protection and extra support.
Tap to see the new cameras in action
We’ve already been testing this in different scenarios to see if it improves how we deal with incidents and we’ve heard some really positive feedback. We’ve used it at policing operations such as football matches and protests, and during pursuits with traffic officers.
Officers have told us the new live streaming function is helping them at incidents. They are able to get quicker instruction from supervision and commanding officers are able to deploy more resources faster if they can see a situation warrants it.
Body worn camera on response officer
Chief Superintendent Ian Green said: “This latest technology has many advantages, not least in increasing officer safety.
“It gives us a real time view of what officers are facing so we can deploy assistance where needed, or advise officers at scenes on preserving evidence or dealing with someone in mental health crisis.
“We are able to map every officer with a camera and see which ones are recording, but there are strict rules that we will adhere to when choosing to live stream. The system is completely auditable and will be monitored for any unauthorised use.
“We’ve been consulting with our communities and partners so they are fully aware of us now having the ability to live stream in public areas. We have carried out extensive consultation and over 90 per cent of people told us they strongly agreed with us being able to use this new function.”
The new cameras will be used by public facing officers, but will not be seen as a replacement for attending scenes and at this stage it will not be used for any independent scrutiny around use of force or stop and search.
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, who authorised purchase of the new cameras, said: “This is a great example of where state of the art technology is going to help keep members of the public and police officers safe.
“These cameras will ensure the force responds to the public’s needs effectively and efficiently. It will reassure people that offenders are held to account and that there is appropriate oversight and scrutiny of the actions of police officers.
“I will always make sure West Midlands Police officers have the best available technology to help them prevent and tackle crime and keep the people of our region safe.”