Suffolk police have announced they are equipping officers with body-worn cameras allowing them to record actions of members of public while on patrol.
The first batch of cameras have now been issued to all frontline roads policing officers, dog units and dedicated licencing team officers.
It it is anticipated all frontline officers will have a camera by the end of the year.
The cameras will also be rolled out to officers in Norfolk as part of the £2.8m project.
Police say the cameras will not be rolling the entire time and will be switched on as soon as it is practically possible during an incident.
Chief Superintendent Mike Fawcett, project lead for Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies, said: “This camera rollout marks a huge step forward for policing in Suffolk and we anticipate it will have a positive impact in making the county safer.
“Officers using the devices will have the capacity to capture evidence of criminal activity and, not only this; it has also been proven that people are less likely to offend when they know they are being filmed.
“This is the future of policing so we have invested in a high quality, easy-to-use product in order to provide the best possible service to the people of Suffolk.”
Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore said: “Anything that improves the public’s trust and confidence in the constabulary and makes life on the streets safer for our police officers has my full support.
“This is an excellent example of joint investment between Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies and there is no doubt this very exciting project will help transform operational policing in both counties.
“These cameras will be a valuable tool in the box for fighting crime and crime prevention and keeps us at the forefront of change and innovation in modern policing.
“My police and crime plan specifically refers to my commitment to officers and staff.
“I want to be sure they have the equipment, training and resources to enable them to perform their roles; the Chief Constable and I are united in this commitment.”
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