Police stationed at Northern Ireland’s Belfast International Airport will begin wearing body-worn video cameras from today (July 10).
It is hoped the cameras will act as a deterrent to anti-social behavior, and will record images during incidents and reduce the likelihood of false complaints against officers. The decision to fit the cameras to officer uniforms follows the successful deployment of BWV equipment in other constabularies, including the PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland).
Lynn McLaughlin, airport station sergeant, said, “Body worn video has proven its worth elsewhere and after assessing the system, we had no hesitation in adding it to our standard issue kit. They give added protection to our men and women who sometimes have to deal with challenging situations.
“The camera makes people think twice before doing something silly, and that’s also to their benefit of the individual who really doesn’t want to be arrested and taken through the courts. Our officers have been fully trained in their use and are looking forward to making them a normal part of our everyday policing, protecting passengers and the airport.”
Graham Keddie, Belfast International Airport managing director, added, “A large part of what our officers do is head off disruption or trouble before it becomes an issue. Body-worn cameras will greatly assist in that task.
“They will also serve to reduce ill-founded complaints against officers. They are a distinct and valuable addition to the range of equipment at the disposal of our officers.”