AN American-style scheme giving police officers cameras to record evidence of domestic violence has been launched in Accrington.

In the first trial of its kind in the UK, Lancashire Constabulary have teamed up with Polaroid UK to provide Accrington's domestic violence officers with instant cameras for a six-month trial, following the success of similar schemes in America.

The cameras proved so useful in the US that they have been adopted by every state in the country.

If the Accrington trial is successful, cameras could be introduced throughout the county.

DC Pam Holgate, the Domestic Violence officer at Accrington, said: "The cameras will not replace the service provided by our Scenes of Crimes Officers, but they will fulfil a purpose by providing us with the means to instantly record evidence that might otherwise be lost. The cameras might also help victims feel more assured that something is being done."

The cameras and films are being provided by Polaroid UK, and the officers will be trained in how to use them.

DC Holgate has high hopes for the trial. She said: "The victims evidence can now be supported by film and shift the balance, making the offenders aware of the prosecution case and hopefully make them reconsider their own behaviour."

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