22,000 cops in London to be kitted out with body cameras

London's Metropolitan Police announced Monday that hundreds of frontline cops in Greenwich will this week be issued with body cameras.

It is part of an ambitious plan by the Met to see more than 22,000 of its police officers wearing the video cameras during the summer months.

The cameras will be worn by frontline police officers and police community support officers, as well as officers from some specialist departments.

"Cameras show they can help bring speedier justice for victims," said a spokesman for the Met. They have already led to violent husbands admitting their guilt in domestic abuse cases when their actions have been recorded on camera by investigating officers.

The Met spokesman added: "Body worn video (BWV) will offer greater transparency for those in front of the camera as well as behind it. Londoners can feel reassured during their interactions with the police, whilst BWV will also help officers gather evidence and demonstrate their professionalism in the face of the many challenges involved in policing Britain's capital."

All footage recorded on the cameras is subject to legal safeguards and guidance, with video not needed as evidence or for a policing purpose automatically deleted within 31 days.

The cameras will be worn attached to the police officer's uniform and will not permanently record.

"This ensures interactions with the public are not unnecessarily impeded. Members of the public are told as soon as practical that they are being recorded. When the camera is recording, it is highly visible with a flashing red circle in the center of the camera and a frequent beeping noise when it's activated," added the Met spokesman. Endit