Speaking as officers at Bell Street police station in Dundee became the first to receive cameras, she said she hopes all officers on the front lines will be equipped with cameras within 12-18 months.

She added: “This is a game-changer for us both in terms of additional reassurance to the public, but importantly, we’re able to capture the best evidence to get good outcomes for victims in court.

“It will provide additional safety to our officers, because my experience is that where people are aggressive and offer violence towards officers, their behaviour changes when they know they’re being recorded.”

Some 750 officers in Dundee, Angus and Perthshire will receive the devices in the coming weeks as the first stage of a Scotland-wide roll-out.

More than 10,500 Home Office-approved Motorola Solutions VB400 cameras will be issued as part of the £13.3 million contract.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Body-worn video can increase public confidence in policing and improve safety for police officers and staff. It can also benefit victims and witnesses of crime by allowing cases to be brought to court sooner.”