EVERY frontline police officer in Cumbria is to carry a camera as part of their standard equipment.

The move, which will come into force next year, means that the number of cameras worn by officers in the county will increase from 239 to 795.

Cumbria Constabulary explained that the aim is to help aid the justice process as every single detail of incidents in which officers are involved will be recorded.

"Officers use them every day and we have seen significant benefits, gathering and presenting effective evidence, saving police time, in holding officers to account and keeping officers safe," said Superintendent Gary Slater. "They are extremely beneficial to the criminal justice process with the footage assisting greatly in conveying the detail of an incident, the behaviours, what was said and done, and in what context. They play a significant role in keeping people safe."

It is not yet known how much the new devices will cost as they are still in the process of being ordered.

"We try and mandate using body worn recording at all incidents of domestic violence and would consider use of body worn video a high priority for deployment in scenarios such as public order, use of force, anti-social behaviour, execution of warrants, road traffic collision scenes and searches including stop-search," said Supt Slater. "They would also be considered for deployment to capture evidence of offences post incident.

"We always try and inform people when our cameras are being used and modern devices have obvious visual signs that they are recording. This can be in public and private places.

"However, there are strict rules in place about the management of police information and we only retain footage that is evidential and must delete that which isn’t."

Modern body-worn cameras have the ability to buffer footage so when the record button is pressed they capture the previous minute prior to record being pressed.

Some devices also allow remote triggering of recording and the ability to livestream footage to a control room.

Cumbria Police is looking at a range of options which will ensure its officers are well equipped to deal with the wide range of incidents that they face on a daily basis.