Police have ordered new video cameras in preparation for changes to the way identity parades are carried out.

New reforms deriving from the Police and Criminal Evidence Bill (PACE) in the the UK and the recent Serious Crimes Commission will also see screens used to ensure victims do not have to meet their alleged attackers face to face in identity parades.

Women's groups in particular have been campaigning to overhaul the current system of face to face identity parades, which they say puts victims through a further trauma of having to meet their attackers.

The changes are contained in a draft code of conduct drawn up by Police and the Ministry of Home Affairs which has still to be commenced.

Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith said he anticipated the changes would be enacted through a Governor's Order under the Police Act.

Officers will be able to video identity parades and to film suspects who refuse to take part in the process.

Mr. Smith said: "It is less intimidating and they don't have to endure the potentially traumatic experience of coming to face to face again with the suspect."