15/2021 Body-worn Video expansion

D/N 15/2021

The Commissioner has decided to approve the funding for an expansion of body-worn cameras. £197,954.35 will be invested in an additional 275 cameras and associated technology to help NYP meet statutory requirements and improve services to the public.

Background

Body-worn Video (BWV) was first introduced in North Yorkshire in 2017 in limited numbers and was more widely rolled out in 2018 to Firearms, Taser and Response Officers. More recently, BWV has been used across other departments, expanding the desire and demonstrating the benefits for a variety of different policing uses. However, this expanded use beyond the original cohort has led to problems of camera availability.

Furthermore, the number of Taser-trained officers has increased, and the requirement for trainee officers to be BWV-enabled has placed further pressures on availability.

A further 275 cameras, 45 charge bars, 18 ‘kiosks’ and additional digital storage is required to meet the Service’s needs. This will be funded from the Service’s underspend from the 2020/21 budget.

The Commissioner has requested that as part of this the Service review the policy for custody staff not to wear BWV. He has also stipulated that an appropriate procurement route be determined for this purchase to ensure long-term sustainability of the purchase against best value for money for the public purse in line with the Service’s requirements and current infrastructure.

Decision Record

The Commissioner has decided to fund £197,954.35 of capital expenditure to purchase 275 additional cameras and associated technology.

Philip Allott

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire

Statutory Officer Advice

Legal, Management and Equality Implications

The Commissioner’s Interim Assistant Chief Executive and Deputy Monitoring Officer, on behalf of the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer, having read this report and having considered such information as has been provided at the time of being asked to express this view, is satisfied that this report does not ask the Commissioner to make a decision which would (or would be likely to) give rise to a contravention of the law.

Financial and Commercial

The Commissioner’s Chief Finance Officer and S151 Officer has advised that there is funding available to support this investment from within the Capital Earmarked Reserve that the PFCC holds. The funding will only be made available to the Force subject to an appropriate procurement route being determined for this work.

Additional Information

15/2021 Body-worn Video expansion