Police in key areas are to wear video cameras while out on patrol as part of a 'live test' before it's rolled out across the county.

Local policing teams in Maidstone, Medway and Thanet will be first to trial the so-called Body Worn Video.

The state-of-the-art cameras will help police capture evidence during crime scenes, including pictures and sound.

It's hoped they will play a particular role in domestic violence incidents and those around pubs and clubs.

By October 15 it's believed around 430 officers will be using the cameras, with more rolled out into next year.

Deputy Chief Constable Paul Brandon said: "BWV is a technological innovation which has been shown to have some very clear and tangible benefits to police forces.

"It has the capability to capture real-time evidence, offering the potential to move the justice process forward with reduced stress for victims of crime" - Paul Brandon

"It has the capability to capture real-time evidence, offering the potential to move the justice process forward with reduced stress for victims of crime."

Forces which use the technology have seen a rise in early guilty pleas, after defendants are shown the evidence.

There's also been a reduction in offending around the cameras.

Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Ann Barnes has helped fund the introduction of BWV to Maidstone, Medway and Thanet.

She said: "I am very pleased that the cameras are being tested in Kent and from what other forces are telling us I can see that there are benefits all round.

"They provide what can be essential evidence from the officer who is first at an incident and increase the number of offenders who admit guilt at an early stage when confronted by their behaviour on the screen."