METROPOLITAN Police Commissioner Cressida Dick is “spot on” when she supports police forces publishing body camera footage, West Yorkshire Police Federation has said.

Speaking at the Superintendents’ Association of England and Wales annual conference, Dame Cressida Dick said that, in principle, she wanted body-worn footage to be released to the public and the media, so that “misunderstandings or erroneous judgements about how my officers have done their work [are] dispelled as soon as possible”.

West Yorkshire Police Federation Chairman, Brian Booth, said that releasing the footage would provide clarity and could also help prevent officers being unfairly investigated for their actions.

Brian said: “The Commissioner is spot on in her thoughts around the release of body-worn video. Often officers are portrayed negatively by a single moment in time, while their body-worn video brings clarity but is not disclosed to the public.

“What then ensues is a trial by social media, which could have been avoided. If it gains enough traction or interest from influencers, it often prompts an investigation from the IOPC. On many occasions these lengthy and expensive investigations could have been avoided with a robust review and decision to release footage early, thus preventing a media furore.

“That being said, it is not always possible to release footage due to the fact that it could be evidence for a possible court case.”

When Dame Cressida was questioned at the conference about whether she supported officers releasing body-worn video, she replied: “In principle I absolutely do, and I think for example during Extinction Rebellion protests, the Met were proactive about communications strategy, using imagery as much as words and not relying on traditional media to get the message across.

“I also in principle want misunderstandings or erroneous judgements about how my officers have done their work to be dispelled as soon as possible. I don’t have any hesitation.

"We are the police. We have to stick to the facts. We have to respect investigation and due process. And we must not give biased or clipped footage that tells only part of the story – as often the story is very long and complex. We need to look at the whole.”

But she said it was important that the footage must be “in good taste”, adding: “In America and other places you see law enforcement putting out images that are unacceptable and would offend both the public and staff.

“Erroneous criticism of officers increases tension and reduces legitimacy. Rushing to judgement is dangerous,” she also added