Scotland’s top cop has outlined a vision for a fully digitised justice system following the national rollout of body-worn video cameras for frontline police officers.
Chief constable Jo Farrell pointed to “significant discussions” with justice sector leaders – including Scotland’s most senior civil servant – about building on the success of the technology to improve wider justice system efficiencies.
More than 10,000 officers now have body-worn video cameras as part of their uniforms as a result of phase one of a nationwide programme, which concluded in April.
The programme is the subject of an evaluation study, but senior Police Scotland officers reported to the Scottish Police Authority in Glasgow last week that the technology is already having a major positive impact on frontline policing.
Chief constable Farrell said: “There have already been some significant discussions across all the senior leaders in the in the justice system, and with the permanent secretary and those who lead within government around the justice system.
” Our vision, my vision, is that we collectively build on the technology that’s brought around some significant change across the system, with DESC [Digital Evidence Sharing Capability], body-worn, and to now agree a broader cross-agency programme for the digitisation of the whole of the justice system.”
She added: “Now, what goes with that, I think, is a real opportunity to consider all of the processes and the systems that operate across it and really take that system-wide approach and to modernise it so that those who are engaging with it [the system] see the benefits, that we reduce the trauma, and that equally we as system leaders across the justice system bring about efficiencies for the good of all of us.”
Against a backdrop of financial challenge, the chief constable said she was “excited” about the “constructive discussions” underway, and that there was a willingness to look at modernising the whole of the justice system.
Deputy chief constable Bex Smith added the force has captured thousands of the ‘lived experiences’ of officers benefiting from the body-worn video rollout, which commenced in May 2025.
She said that planning for phase two of the rollout is now underway, with a focus on events and ‘mutual aid’, and that fewer officers are being asked to attend court as a result. Similarly, the number of complaints about officer conduct to the Police Investigations & Review Commissioner (PIRC) have also fallen following the rollout.
She said: “What we are seeing around impact is officers not being asked to go to court as often. PIRC referrals are being avoided because of the instant nature of the evidence available; PIRC investigations are a lot quicker and much more efficient, which obviously reduces the stress on the officers and staff, as a consequence of that.
She added: “We’re also seeing COPFS [Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service] colleagues and defence commenting on being able to review the evidence in a much quicker fashion, which leads to charges being escalated, and early guilty pleas in the system, so all in all, really positive.”
Recent freedom of information data also suggested a possible link between the introduction of body-worn video cameras and a reduction in assaults on police officers. The data showed that there were 6,334 reports of police officers being assaulted on duty during 2025-26, down from 7,159 the previous year, a fall of 11 per cent.
Chief superintendent Conrad Trickett said: “Over 14,000 frontline police officers and staff have been equipped with body-worn video cameras as we work towards our vision of safer communities and less crime.
“A full evaluation of the impact of body-worn devices will take place, however, we do know that using these devices can de-escalate incidents, improve public trust in policing and reduce complaints, as well as support officer and staff safety, and bring wider benefits to the criminal justice system.”
He added: “There continues to be strong public and partner support for body worn video, and we will continue to explain our use of this important technology including assurance around data privacy and human rights considerations.”
