Neighbourhood police officers are breaking new ground by wearing high-tech mini CCTV cameras when on patrols.

The new Body Worn video cameras enable officers to record evidence.

The Bradford Moor , Bowling and Barkerend Neighbourhood Policing Team this week received delivery of four of the cameras, worth £3,000, paid for by Bradford community housing association Accent Housing.

Within hours of their arrival, one of the cameras was in use in a drugs warrant executed in the Leeds Road area, in which the camera captured evidence.

NPT Inspector Andy Gallant said the cameras, which clip onto an officer’s lapel, will be used while on routine patrols and during the execution of warrants.

He said: “West Yorkshire Police recognises the benefits of Body Worn cameras and has been utilising a similar product for “blue light” response officers.

“This is different because it is being used by conventional neighbourhood policing officers going out into the local community and not necessarily responding to incidents. It is a first for the district.”

Insp Gallant said Accent Housing had given the money in a bid to help reduce anti-social behaviour.

He said the equipment would provide reassurance to the public by capturing and recording evidence and would be crucial in public order situations.

“The cameras are clearly visible,” said Insp Gallant. “They are a deterrent because they are there and take away the opportunity to offend.”

He said the cameras could reduce the need for criminal trials by up to 80 per cent because of offenders pleading guilty when faced with the video evidence.

And they would speed up the investigation process in complaints against the police.

Insp Gallant said it was the first phase in introducing the high-tech CCTV and there were plans for a further seven cameras to be purchased, which could also be used by council wardens.

Accent's Anti-social Behaviour Officer Tim Bamber said: “We are committed to making a difference in the communities we work in and we are confident that the new CCTV equipment we have provided will do just that by helping to prevent and tackle anti-social behaviour and improve our residents’ homes and lives in the process.”