Kingston is one of the last two boroughs to have Body Worn Video given to its police officers, following the official launch of the scheme on Monday, August 21.

Around 219 Kingston police and community support officers are being issued with the devices, with others available for specialist departments.

It is hoped the equipment will offer transparency for members of the public, who might feel more reassured during interactions with the police, as well as keeping a record for the police themselves.

Inspector James Ellis, who leads the project, said: “Body Worn Video is an important addition to the equipment we provide to our officers; it is an invaluable tool to combat crime and one that will make policing safer and support both officers and the public.

“In addition to the cameras, we also have first-class accompanying software to manage all data downloaded from the camera in a secure, systematic and professional manner. It is fully integrated with existing Met crime reporting methods and procedures for conveying evidence from the scene into the evidential chain for admission at court.

"It can sometimes be difficult to articulate what officers have witnessed. However, with both an audio and visual capability, the footage it captures at a scene will provide a compelling addition to the evidence we are able to present.

"Body Worn Video will provide further reassurance to London's communities of our enhanced ability to support victims of crime and directly record criminal behaviour and its consequences."

The public will be able to obtain footage recently taken of themselves under freedom of information and data protection laws.

The footage is automatically deleted within 31 days, unless it is flagged for use as evidence or another policing purpose, when it will be uploaded to a secure server.

Cameras will not record permanently, but will need to be switched on, after which it will emit a frequent beeping noise and flashing red light.