Grampian Police hail body-worn camera success

Grampian Police said the cameras had made a difference for officers

Body-worn video cameras have been hailed a success by Grampian Police after their first year in operation.

The force said more than 90% of cases pursued, using evidence from the cameras, resulted in guilty pleas.

Eighteen cameras - funded through the Fairer Scotland Fund - were issued last June, and this was increased to 43.

Ch Insp Nick Topping said: "As an evidence gathering tool they have surpassed our initial expectations and the results speak for themselves."

He explained: "Significantly the cameras have helped bring about earlier guilty pleas - that means officers spending less time in court and more time making a difference in their local community.

"It is estimated that they have contributed to around 110 police officers and 54 members of the public not having to appear at court to give evidence."