By Chris Green
Scottish police officers have welcomed the rollout of body-worn video cameras, describing the “peace of mind” of knowing their actions are being recorded.
Frontline officers who are using the technology, which is being gradually rolled out across the country, detailed their experiences as part of an academic study.
It said that officers expressed “overwhelmingly positive” attitudes towards body-worn video (BWV), citing minimal ethical concerns and significant practical benefits.
However, a few concerns were raised about some footage being unfairly reviewed by managers without good cause, creating a sense of mistrust.
Officers taking part in the study said wearing the devices meant they were less likely to be subjected to malicious or unfounded complaints from members of the public.
Others reported telling people they were being recorded “led to more cooperative interactions”, as well as increased accountability and transparency.
The national rollout of BWV began in March last year and is still continuing, with officers in Ayrshire the most recent to be given the devices.
Since the programme began, more than 400,000 recordings have been captured by the cameras, with almost 91,000 hours of footage uploaded.
The study, by Dr Corinne Fenech of Glasgow Caledonian University, was funded by the Scottish Institute for Policing Research and involved interviews with a small number of officers using the technology.
Officers credited the devices with “improving peace of mind and job satisfaction”, as they knew their actions were being recorded and could be reviewed impartially, it said.
“BWV was also seen as a deterrent against false allegations, with officers reporting a noticeable reduction in complaints since its introduction,” it added.
However, some officers taking part raised concerns about a lack of in-person training in how to use the devices, with some expressing “frustration” with online modules.
Others said there was “a perception that BWV footage could be used punitively rather than constructively”, with some receiving emails about “dip-sampled footage” being viewed by managers.
As one officer put it: “You told us you’re not going to watch it, but then clearly you’ve been watching it.”
The report said this could lead to a perception that officers were under “constant surveillance”, with one saying they were worried about being “critically analysed for every wee thing”.
David Threadgold, Scottish Police Federation chair
David Threadgold, chair of the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), told 1919 the rollout of body-worn video was “the most significant development in police officer safety in Scotland since the introduction of body armour in the late 90s”.
He added: “It is a major change, and as the technology rolls out across Scotland, there will undoubtedly be teething troubles in respect of the integration of technology between the police and the Crown, police officers being trained, and putting that training into practice.
“The report rightly highlights some of these issues, but my view is that despite these initial challenges, this is an extremely positive development for policing.
“We’re seeing efficiencies in the criminal justice process, and evidence that court citations are already reducing.
“We have also seen examples of incidents where the presence of body-worn video footage has enabled Police Scotland to expedite decisions that previously may have resulted in complaints, lengthy criminal investigations, or prolonged misconduct investigations.
“This is of huge benefit to officers and the public, as it allows, if appropriate, officers to get back to carrying out their duty.
“I’ve not seen any evidence of Police Scotland taking a ‘Big Brother’ style approach to footage. There are set protocols for dip sampling, which is a quality control measure, but nothing I’ve seen suggests this is being misused.
“Should this be the case, the SPF would of course take great interest in these cases.
“I look forward to the completion of the rollout of body-worn video across Scotland, so we can finally equip all operational officers with the protection they deserve as they carry out essential work for our communities.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Liam McArthur said: “Body-worn cameras are a sensible way of helping to keep both officers and the public safe, as well as speeding up the justice process.
“It is, however, important that the concerns raised here are addressed. Giving officers the proper training and enhancing public awareness would go a long way towards doing that.
“Ultimately, we want to see that being backed up by a properly resourced justice system that can deliver for officers and communities.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “There is widespread support for the use of body-worn video, and we are encouraged that this academic study underlines the overwhelmingly positive attitudes among officers and staff we have found in our extensive internal engagement.
“The equipment can help de-escalate incidents, improve public trust in policing and reduce complaints, as well as support officer and staff safety and bring wider benefits to the criminal justice system.
“Body-worn video is being introduced in phases, so any issues can be carefully monitored and addressed as officers and staff become familiar with the new system.
“No significant issues have been identified, and we expect the first phase of 10,500 officers to be fully equipped by spring 2026.”
