GMP officers have started wearing video cameras on their uniforms

Police start wearing video cameras on their uniforms Credit: GMP

Officers in Trafford, Greater Manchester, were the first to be given the new body cameras in a bid to crack down on crime.Body-worn video cameras have already been trialled in Manchester and around 3,000 frontline officers across the force will now be issued with them over the rest of 2016.

The cameras have a light that flashes whenever they are active and officers will have to turn the camera on at appropriate times and for certain incidents, such as those that are domestic abuse related and during stop and searches.Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said:

Cameras will be given to officers in the neighbourhood teams, the Hostage and Crisis Negotiation Unit, Roads Policing and Intercept Unit, Tactical Aid Unit, Tactical Dog Unit and some at the airport.

Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said:

Officers will pick up their camera at the start of every shift, with any footage automatically downloaded on their return at the end of the day. Footage will be stored for 31 days unless required for evidence, in which case it can be saved for as long as required.