Saturday December 6th 2025
Chief Inspector Stuart Fletcher, Scottish Borders Local Area Commander.
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
The recent introduction of body cameras for police officers in the Borders can “significantly enhance public confidence”, a senior officer will inform councillors next week.
The go-ahead has been given for operational officers to wear Body Worn Video (BWV) in the region.
BWV is a small, wearable recording device, typically attached to a person’s uniform (like police or security), that captures high-quality audio and video of interactions and events from the wearer’s perspective, serving as an objective record for evidence, transparency, accountability, and officer safety, with footage securely stored and managed.
In a report to Scottish Borders Council’s Police, Fire & Rescue and Safer Communities Board, Chief Inspector Stuart Fletcher, Scottish Borders Local Area Commander, says: “BWV has the potential to significantly enhance public confidence and support officer and public safety, by providing effective and transparent evidence of police and public actions.
“It will also improve the quality of evidence presented in court to support criminal justice proceedings and deliver faster justice for victims and offenders, increasing early guilty pleas and reducing time spent at court.”
CI Fletcher also outlines Police Scotland’s ongoing work to improve and transform delivery of front-line policing with the creation of a Service Delivery Hub (SDH) in the Scottish Borders.
He says: “We recognise that considerable demand is placed on front-line officers in attending incidents and calls that do not require an immediate response and the SDH will operate to alleviate that pressure.
“In addition, the officers within the SDH will also take ownership of more protracted enquiries where consistency and management of risk are essential, such as missing person incidents and domestic offending.
“I am also delighted to report that Phase 1 of the work to refurbish Hawick Police Station will soon commence, again a vital way of improving working conditions for our officers and staff.
“I am keen that subsequent phases of work seek opportunities to share available space with partners and other community groups, making the station far more of a ‘community hub’.”
Members will also be informed about the recent appointment of the Borders new Deputy Local Area Commander, Inspector Rory Caverhill.
CI Fletcher said: “Rory brings significant policing experience to the role, much of which has been in the Scottish Borders.
“Born and raised in Galashiels, he has already proven to be a real asset to our team, and I know you will all appreciate his involvement in delivering policing across the area in the months to come.”
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