FOR the first time, the WA public has been given a front-line view of life on the beat for WA police officers wearing body cameras.

Footage taken during a trial of the technology in 2016 and released today shows officers being screamed at and abused as they apprehend and handcuff alleged offenders.

It comes after Commissioner Chris Dawson confirmed 200 body worn video cameras would be rolled early next year in the first phase of a new digital policing program.

Camera Icon Officers approach an apartment. Credit: WA Police

In one scenario, the vision captures the tense atmosphere as officers approach an apartment to investigate a disturbance. No further details about the incidents have been released.

The first 200 cameras will be deployed within Perth District, with a further 450 cameras planned for the traffic enforcement group and Goldfields-Esperance and Pilbara Districts by mid-2019.

It is expected 3500 officers will be using the cameras by the end of 2021.

Camera Icon Officers make an arrest. Credit: WA Police

Police have been frustrated in the past after video of police incidents have been captured by bystanders and posted on social media.

He said while it was legal to record in public, if only half the event was captured it was less than ideal.

“Body worn cameras are now commonly used in other policing jurisdictions, with potential benefits including improved evidence gathering and a greater opportunity to capture the whole of an incident rather than rely on piecemeal recordings,” Mr Dawson said.

A tender process for the provision of the cameras is due to start next month.

WA Police Union president George Tilbury has welcomed the move, saying the cameras would enhance member safety and provide courts with high quality evidence.

“The courts will now be able to see what the police officer sees including the demeanor of charged persons at the time of the offence,” Mr Tilbury said.

“It is all well and good to show up to court, sometimes weeks after the offence, in a neat and well-presented state, but often that is not what police officers are confronted with at the time of the incident.

“Video evidence would give magistrates an accurate, warts and all portrayal of the offender.”