BODY worn cameras have helped to convict more violent partners in Essex.

More people have been charged and more people have admitted, or been convicted, of domestic violence related crimes since officers started wearing them.

The county was chosen for a five month trial, between January and May, with results revealed at the annual College of Policing conference this week.

Teething problems included difficulties turning them on and off, poor lighting and camera angles but these were outweighed by the encouraging results.

Supt Trevor Roe, of Essex Police, said: "Use of the cameras helps us to capture best evidence which will help us to increase prosecutions.

"We purchased 400 new cameras which will be used by frontline teams in areas that have been identified as being key areas across the county where they will have greatest effect.

"These are areas which have higher levels of incidents relating to night-time economy issues, domestic abuse and issues with serious and violent crime."

About £750,000 was invested in the cameras paid for by the force and a £440,000 grant from the Home Office.

Home Secretary Theresa May said: "The College of Policing is building an evidence base of what works so that in future police practice is always based on evidence, and not habit.

"This is exactly the type of research which contributes to a better understanding of what works so that we can put a stop to this devastating crime."