Hi-tech cameras hailed as a major weapon in the fight against domestic violence are causing problems because gathering evidence from them is “overly bureaucratic”, a police report has revealed.

West Yorkshire Police’s use of headcams, introduced in Bradford two years ago, have been partially blamed for causing “extensive delays” in solving cases of domestic abuse.

Figures published by the force show officers in Bradford missed targets to prosecute more than half of all domestic violence complaints made in the district.

Critics claim headcams are not working as they should be, leading to calls for The National Police Improvement Agency (NPIA) to find better equipment.

A report by Deputy Chief Constable David Crompton reads: “The use of headcams is proving problematic, with the processes to download images being overly bureaucratic.

“The NPIA is working to secure the best product available for the service.”

The headcams’ reliability forms part of a review into the way police approach investigations into domestic violence, in a bid to improve the number of prosecutions.

It will include how officers take victim and witness statements and how evidence files are prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

In Bradford, only 46 per cent of domestic violence complaints were successfully prosecuted between April and December 2009.

Statistics released by the force show that figure was 46.7 per cent in Airedale and Bradford North Division and 45.2 per cent in Bradford South, against a target of 53 per cent set by the force.

The figures for the Bradford divisions are lowest of all nine divisions across the West Yorkshire force.

West Yorkshire Police and the CPS have vowed to improve investigations into domestic violence cases.

The report, which will go to the West Yorkshire Police Authority’s strategic planning and performance committee next week, states: “A number of issues continue to exist with regard to extensive delays in domestic violence cases coming to court, which can have a negative effect on outcomes.

“There is a planned programme of ‘reality checking’ to be undertaken … to quality assurance the process for investigation, statement taking and file preparation for domestic violence cases.”

Keighley Labour MP Ann Cryer, who has campaigned against domestic violence, said victims often withdrew complaints because of delays in their cases getting to court.

She said there was still a stigma attached to reporting abuse in some of the district’s Muslim communities and pressure from their families to drop any charges.

Mrs Cryer said: “In many cases, a prosecution is damaging to the pride of the family.

“But those families have to decide whether it is more damaging to have someone in their midst who is mistreating their wife or daughter or the decision to go on to prosecute.”

  • Anyone in West Yorkshire who suspects a relative, friend, neighbour or work colleague is suffering domestic abuse should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. There is also a free 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline (run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge) on 0808 200 0247. Male victims of domestic violence should call 0845 064680.