Body-worn cameras to be worn by staff in three Scottish prisons as six-month pilot launched

Body-worn cameras are to be worn in Scottish prisons as a pilot has been officially launched across three establishments.

Prison staff at HMP Barlinnie, HMP Low Moss, and HMP Perth will wear the video cameras over a six-month period.

It is hoped that the technology will support the gathering of evidence following incidents, while also enhancing positive role model behaviours between staff and prisoners.

The cameras, which have been found to help de-escalate incidents, is also hoped to support relationships in establishments and increase “trust and transparency”.

They will be used in plain sight, with staff giving a verbal indication of them being activated – and not for covert activities.

A decision about further use of the cameras will be made after the six-month pilot.

A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: “The health and wellbeing of our staff and those in our care, and the safety, security, and good order of our establishments, are key priorities.

“This pilot, across three of our establishments, will aim to support those priorities, while also promoting transparency, trust, and good relationships, and acting as a deterrent against criminality and rule breaches.”