Police are to be armed with the latest video technology as part of the war on crime.

The Government has put out a tender up to 300 body camera systems for frontline officers.

Superintendent Sean Field-Lament said: “Modern policing is increasingly reliant on emerging technology and the exponential improvement in available equipment to support policing endeavours.

“This can range from smart phone and tablets to CCTV, to body-worn cameras and dashboard camera devices.“

The request for proposal asked firms “to provide pricing for a police body-worn camera system and video storage solution”.

Superintendent Field-Lament said body cameras had been used for the past six years – but the equipment was nearing the end of its service life and needed replacement.

He added that technology was an increasingly important tool – and that Bermuda had to keep up with the latest developments.

Superintendent Field-Lament said that high profile cases in the US and UK had highlighted the importance of recording equipment to protect both the police and the public.

He added: “There is a growing public expectation of transparency and accountability for police officers use of their powers, including the use of force.

“There is research that clearly demonstrates that overt recording of human interactions influences behaviour and attitude.

“This can prove extremely valuable in ensuring officer safety, public confidence and adherence to professional standards.”

Superintendent Field-Lament said: “The BPS strives to remain current with these trends and best practice.

“This is demonstrated in the continued use of our body worn camera systems and indeed the dash camera solutions we have undertaken.

“This is not new and is standard practice in the policing approach of most developed countries.

“The BPS has been utilising body worn cameras since 2015 and Taser cameras since 2011.”

But he added: “There have been marked improvements in the systems available.

“The BPS is seeking to take advantage of the significant hardware and software development that has taken place.”

“This will enhance our evidence gathering capabilities and, in addition, realise cost savings by reducing equipment maintenance and storage requirement expenses.”

The RFP did not put a budget figure on the contract, but suggested it could run for five years.