GLASGOW'S Subway police have unveiled their latest weapon in the war against yobs - head-mounted cameras.
GLASGOW'S Subway police have unveiled their latest weapon in the war against yobs - head-mounted cameras.
The hi-tech kits, which will be used for the first time in Scotland today, allow British Transport Police to record anti-social behaviour on trains and monitor crowds at big events such as football matches and concerts.
Two officers will wear the special "Veecams" tonight as fans travel to and from Ibrox for Rangers' second round Champions League qualifier against Lithuanian side Kaunas.
The £1200 hands-free camera can film continuously for up to eight hours. It can be positioned on the head or body and has a microphone.
High-quality footage is easily downloaded onto computers and DVDs.
Because the cameras are tamper-proof, bosses say any evidence collected by them will be fully admissible in court.
They have already been used successfully by British Transport Police on the London Underground and by other forces in England and Wales.
It took the Subway network's two dedicated cops, PCs Jack Mitchell and John McCrone - affectionately known by Subway staff as Jack and Victor after the Still Game TV characters - just two days to learn how to use their latest pieces of kit.
The pair have been working as neighbourhood officers on the network for 18 months.
PC Mitchell said: "These cameras aren't for everyday use, but at big events such as tonight's football match, where 20% of the fans will use the Subway, they will be invaluable.
"The majority travel to and from Ibrox safely and sensibly. However, there's a minority who want to cause trouble.
"We're determined to stamp it out and these cameras will be another tool that will enable us to do that."
The cameras will be on trial over the next two months. If successful, they are likely to be rolled out to other officers based at Central and Queen Street stations, and could be used at other big events such as concerts at Hampden and next year's Open golf tournament at Turnberry in Ayrshire.
Chief Inspector Alex McGuire, of British Transport Police, said: "Headcams are already used extensively by our officers on the London Underground and have proved invaluable in helping reassure staff and passengers."
Donnie MacLeod, head of security at Subway operator SPT, said: "We're delighted to support this initiative."
