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Derbyshire Constabulary and Scyron create 'blueprint' for next generation body worn video
Scyron, a UK Security and surveillance services company has announced that it has created a blueprint for next generation body worn video (BWV) with Derbyshire Constabulary.
The new BWV evidence management system, developed jointly with Scyron is already helping to secure convictions, proving a major deterrent and reducing time spent by officers on paperwork by more than 30 percent.The trial uses new miniature camera technology mounted on a headband and/or police officer’s jacket. However, vital to its success is the level of automation and efficiency provided by the world’s first software-based administration and evidence management system for BWV. While BWV has been used increasingly by police services, the issue has been how to handle the huge volume of video evidence efficiently, cost-effectively and in accordance with evidential rules. Following a pilot from October to December 2008, Derbyshire Constabulary will consider rolling out Scyron’s system which is the world’s first first software-based administration and evidence management system for BWV.
An officer starting a shift simply scans their ID card with a handheld barcode scanner. This tells the system which officer has what BWV equipment and memory card. At the end of the shift an officer again uses the barcode scanner and then downloads the video and audio footage via a memory card reader into the computer system, from where it can be output to DVD. The system can then create a statement to accompany the video evidence that is pre-populated with information such as the officer’s details, time, etc. All the officer has to do is enter some specific incident-related details.
The system:
- helps to secure convictions for volume crime such as assault, public disorder and domestic violence
- reduces time spent on paperwork by more than 30%
- on average it is reducing the time of 1-2 hours to prepare a statement, down to 5-10 minutes
- it provides a full, tamper-proof electronic audit trail of evidence to meet Home Office rules
The headcam trial is focused on the Derby North police district which includes the city centre. The pilot system was installed in June with the official trial period running from 1 October to 31 December. A total of 75 officers (including Police Community Support Officers) have been trained to use DEMON Body Worn Video Manager, which has proved very popular, particularly in helping to secure convictions for “volume crime” such as assault, public disorder and domestic violence
An unforeseen benefit of using BWV is a reduction in complaints against officers. In the past, most complaints relate to alleged abusive or heavy-handed behaviour. Derbyshire Constabulary has not registered a single complaint against an officer wearing a BWV device.
The next print issue of the BAPCO Journal will feature an in-depth look at this project, with interviews from both Scyron’s CEO Michael Wilks and Graham McLaughlin, Chief Inspector. Derbyshire Constabulary.
