Tiny cameras to tackle crime in Littlehampton

The town’s officers will be armed with small video cameras that will help to capture evidence of anti-social behaviour and cases of domestic violence, among others, in real-time.

The cameras, known as body-worn video, are about five inches in size and are designed to be displayed on an officer’s uniform.

They capture actions and conversation that take place during an incident, which can then be used as evidence in court.

A small number of cameras have been used by Sussex police for several months, however following the camera’s success, they have now been rolled out on a larger scale.

About 78 new cameras will now operate across the three divisions of West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton and Hove, at a cost of £45,000.

Chief Inspector Julia Pope said: “The footage caught by body worn cameras during the initial police response to an incident provides vital evidence in police investigations.

“This footage often captures the behaviour of offenders during an incident which can then be played back to them following their arrest.

“It also lets the offender see how their behaviour has affected their victim and others in the vicinity.

“Too often officers are called to incidents which are the result of excessive alcohol or drug usage, or in which the victim does not wish to give a statement to police.

“Body-worn video is another tool which allows officers to capture evidence at the scene of a crime and can be used in the courts.”