Police Scotland body-worn cameras delayed until next year

Scottish Conservative MSP and committee member Russell Findlay said the former Grampian Police force had first tried body-worn video in 2012 and described the latest timetable as “unacceptable.”

“It’s been a delay of more than 10 years,” he said. “We’re the only police force in the UK without them.”

The police federation told the committee the pressure on frontline officers was “relentless,” with 60-70% of their operational capacity taken up by calls involving mental health.

Mr Threadgold said 3,500 officers had not been through the latest safety training on de-escalation techniques and the use of batons and handcuffs.

“The consequence of that is my colleagues are going out there without the most up-to-date training that they possibly can receive,” he said.

“There’s clear evidence that when that’s the situation, there’s an increase in assaults on officers, and there’s a clear link with that and those who are absent with physical and psychological issues.”

The Association of Scottish Police Superintendents told the committee that a growing number of officers were unable to carry out full operational duties, and more were leaving the service early in their careers.

In its submission to the committee, the force said it was investing £17m on enhanced welfare provisions, with a new 24/7 employee assistance programme and a greater focus on mental health support.

Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs said the force was taking on more new recruits than ever before and was “half an intake away” from getting back up to its target of having 16,600 officers.

The Scottish Police Authority, which oversees Police Scotland, said the force “now has the foundations and commitment to improve wellbeing across the service.”