Police officers in Bognor go hi-tech

The first headcam is being used by the law enforcers to provide evidence against criminals.

The initial signs are that the 21st century piece of equipment is causing more people to plead guilty to their offences.

They own up once they are faced with the visual evidence of their behaviour,

Some also want to stop their disgraceful conduct being shown in court.

Domestic violence bullies are another type of person with plenty to fear from the headcam.

Officers can use the evidence given by their victims, and show their injuries, in court.

That applies even if the victim backs down from pursuing the matter because of intimidation.

PC Jonathan Ford said the equipment was the biggest advance in policing for centuries. 'The headcam is the ultimate policing tool. It is an automatic notebook,' he explained.

The first headcam arrived recently at Bognor's police station. A further five have been ordered for early 2008.

They cost over 1,000 each. The lightweight video camera, with a 2cm lens and about 10cm long, is attached to a police officer's helmet. The on/off button is in a separate small container worn on an officer's shoulder.

The headcam records sight and sound in daytime and nighttime. The images are recorded on a datachip.

This is downloaded in an instant on to a computer disc when the officer arrives back at the police station. This will be kept for a month, unless it is wanted for an impending case, in line with film from the town centre CCTV cameras

A battery pack worn on the officer's waist ensures plenty of power for a normal shift.

PC Ford said: 'The headcam is safe, easy to use and weatherproof.

'It saves police officers having to spend hours writing out reports of incidents.

'The days of officers being paid to sit in the station and do that are over.

'It is great for incidents of public order and anti social behaviour. The headcam allows you to see what has happened, as it happened, rather than having to write it all up afterwards.'

He has also used it to film on visits to licensed premises around the town.