SMILE - you're on camera: Dorset Police has started equipping officers with Body Worn Video cameras to help collect evidence.

The joint project between Dorset Police and Devon and Cornwall Police to equip officers with a body worn video (BWV) launched on October 8 2018.

BWV is a small camera attached to officers allowing them to record incidents and encounters when necessary.

Police say the motivation behind the new scheme has always been for evidential reasons and to provide unbiased accounts that can lead to a quicker and fairer administration of justice.

Project lead, superintendent Claire Armes, said: “BWV will provide our officers and staff with vital technology. It is there to keep both the public and our officers safe.

“As well as bringing greater transparency to our policing activity, there are a number of operational benefits.

"The immediate capturing of vital evidence will support swift investigations and increased conviction rates, particularly in the case of domestic abuse.”

Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “I welcome the roll-out of BWV across the force. It gives officers an increased ability to gather evidence and provide a factual record of what an officer has experienced.

"BWV is not only an invaluable addition to our officers’ kit, it fulfils one of my commitments to the people of Dorset to improve technology and infrastructure for the force.’’