Body-worn video cameras are set to become a powerful tool in deterring "disorder or violence" during the upcoming Bonfire Night celebrations, a senior police officer stated as Scotland’s national rollout of this technology reached its midpoint.
Starting this Wednesday, officers across Edinburgh, the Lothians, and the Borders will be outfitted with the lightweight Motorola Solutions VB400 cameras. These cameras, which are mounted on officers’ chests, will capture interactions with the public, enhancing transparency and accountability in policing.
Over the next few weeks, approximately 1,800 officers in the region—including road policing units and dog handlers—will begin using the devices. This is part of a broader national rollout that began in March in Tayside. By the time the initial phase concludes in early 2026, around 10,500 cameras are expected to be in circulation across Scotland.
Deputy Chief Constable Jane Connors, speaking to the PA news agency, highlighted the clear benefits of the new technology. "It strengthens public trust and confidence," she remarked. "It helps de-escalate tense situations and reduces assaults on officers, which have been on the rise."
Connors emphasized the cameras' importance for the criminal justice system, noting that they capture valuable evidence that can expedite legal processes. "This leads to quicker guilty pleas and less time spent in court for victims and witnesses," she explained.
The cameras are also seen as a deterrent during high-risk periods such as Halloween and Bonfire Night. "In previous years, we’ve witnessed significant disorder," Connors noted. "The cameras will serve two key purposes: they’ll deter individuals from engaging in disorder, knowing they’re being recorded, and they’ll provide valuable evidence for investigations."
Since their initial deployment earlier this year, over 140,000 recordings have been captured, with 32,000 hours of footage uploaded. Of these, around 8,500 files have been shared with the Crown Office via a digital evidence-sharing system, making them available for court use.
While body-worn cameras have been in use by other UK police forces for several years, the implementation in Scotland has faced some unique challenges. "The vast infrastructure—covering both urban areas and remote rural regions—has made the rollout more complex," Connors explained. "The project team has had to navigate these complexities to ensure effective deployment across the country."
Despite these challenges, early results indicate a positive impact. Public support for the technology is strong, with approximately 80% of citizens backing its use. Early feedback suggests a reduction in complaints against officers and an increase in their ability to handle various incidents more effectively.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance also expressed her support, calling the rollout a "transformational" step for policing. "This technology increases public confidence in policing, improves officer safety, and can speed up legal processes by making it easier to bring cases to court," she said. "The Scottish Government’s investment in policing is making this advancement possible, with our world-leading £33 million initiative to share digital evidence from crime scenes to courtrooms."