Police body-worn cameras roll-out moves into Lanarkshire

Thousands of body-worn video cameras will be deployed to officers across Lanarkshire over the coming weeks.

Around 1,100 officers, including on-duty officers, road policing officers, dog handlers, and custody staff, will be provided with devices as part of Police Scotland’s national rollout of the recording equipment.

Since their introduction in Tayside in March 2025 and then in Dumfries and Galloway, the devices have captured over 500,000 recordings, with almost 100,000 hours of footage uploaded to Police Scotland’s digital evidence-sharing system.

The force said the initiative can help de-escalate incidents, improve public trust in policing, reduce complaints, support officer and staff safety, and bring wider benefits to the criminal justice system.

Every frontline uniformed police officer, including special constables, will be expected to wear a video camera on their uniform while on duty and to activate it when using police powers, whether during a stop and search, an arrest, or the execution of a search warrant.

Police staff in custody suites will also use cameras when interacting with people in custody.

The footage may be used as evidence, but it will not replace existing procedures and requirements when gathering all available information.

Video footage will be uploaded to secure police systems, and the evidence will be shared with the COPFS using the new Digital Evidence Sharing Capability (DESC) system.

Local commander, chief superintendent Vicky Watson said: “The national rollout of body-worn video cameras is a key priority for us and is one of the ways that we can work towards our vision of safer communities and less crime across Lanarkshire.

“The cameras and technology will improve the quality of evidence presented in court to deliver faster justice for victims by increasing early guilty pleas and reduce the time spent at court for victims, witnesses and police officers.

“Body-worn video can significantly enhance public confidence and support officer and public safety by providing effective and transparent evidence of police and public interactions.

“There is strong public and partner support for body-worn video, and we will continue to explain our use of this important technology, including assurance around data privacy and human rights considerations.”