Question
The Police Ombudsman for NI has recommended that Armed Response Officers should be provided with head-mounted cameras to ensure improved footage of weapons discharges. This is being considered by PSNI. Could the Chief Constable provide the Board with an update?
Answer
Authorised Firearms Officers (AFOs) within the PSNI Armed Response Unit (ARU) currently do deploy with a camera lenses extension mounted to their helmets. Armed Response Officers plug this into their main Body Worn Video (BWV) camera to enable recording from helmet view when deploying with helmets.
There are issues with this solution as helmet cameras have proved difficult to use such as cables being snagged etc. when being used operationally and resulting in damage or loss of camera footage.
Information and Communication Services (ICS) are currently working on a new solution which may see a main BWV camera being mounted on the helmet as well as a secondary cameras on the officer’s body for times when helmets are not worn. This will remove the need for cables stretching across the officer’s body. It is hoped the pilot will commence this calendar year.
When necessary, all officers are able to utilize body worn video (BWV) as an alternative to head-mounted cameras.
Our Specialist Firearms Officers (CTSFOs), working in Specialist Operations Branch, presently use BWV and are exploring options to develop a helmet-mounted camera system suitable for use in their operations