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Since they were first introduced to UK police forces 20 years ago, body worn cameras have become a must-have accessory for tackling crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.
By capturing incidents as they unfold, body cameras don’t just serve as an invaluable means of gathering evidence for investigations and prosecutions. When people know they are being filmed, they also serve as an effective deterrent against crime and violence.
It’s no longer just law enforcement professionals who are benefitting. In recent years, body cameras have become increasingly popular among other first responders and security professionals, but also with workers you wouldn’t automatically associate with crime-fighting and self-defence – retail staff, delivery drivers, transport operators, even teachers.
For any organisation, the safety and security of its personnel is the highest priority. Body-worn cameras are a proven solution. In this article, we’ll dive into exactly how they work, how and why they protect user safety, and who can benefit most from using them.
How Body Cameras Work
The basics of a body cam consist of a miniature digital video camera, a microphone for capturing audio, and on-device storage. Cameras are mounted to the front of the unit so they get the same forward-facing perspective as the wearer. A lightweight but durable chassis means they can be clipped to the front of a uniform and carried easily throughout a shift.
Most body cameras have a prominent activation button, usually on the side of the unit, which the wearer presses to start recording. Many recent models also have a ‘pre-record’ feature, which will capture whatever the camera ‘sees’ in the moments before the button is pressed. This takes into account the fact that cameras are often switched on as a reaction to an incident, and therefore after it starts. Alternatively, some up-to-date models include automated recording sensors that trigger in response to, say, a sudden movement or a loud noise.
Captured video can be stored on the devices themselves on in-built hard drives. Newer models also have wireless WiFi or 4G connectivity (or both). This means they can ‘livestream’ footage via the cloud, removing limitations on how much can be stored on the device. But it also means footage can be shared and watched remotely in real-time, which means support can be sent the moment it’s needed.
How Body Cameras Help to Deter Threats and Boost Safety
We’ve been selling two-way radios for close to 50 years, and in that time we have come to appreciate the value of strong and reliable lines of communication in keeping people safe – and just as importantly, making people feel safe. For people working in high-risk environments or confronted with danger, having a direct line to call for help is priceless.
Body cameras are an extension of this. Models that can livestream video to colleagues or control desks provide the same kind of real-time connection as a radio. There are plenty of synergies between body cameras and radios, too. Some can connect their audio to two-way radios for an additional layer of audio monitoring. Some, like the Motorola VT100, feature remote alarms that issue alerts for help the way many radios do.
But the kind of protection and safety benefits body cameras offer goes further. Arguably the single biggest advantage body cameras have as a safety device is their ability to deter and de-escalate crime, violence and threatening behaviour. The mere presence of a body camera is often enough to ward off misconduct. When people know they are being recorded and can be identified after the fact, they will often change their behaviour.
A key reason why body cameras are so valued in policing is because video recordings make for such a great form of evidence. Camera footage can be used to identify perpetrators, prove criminal behaviour, and lead to more successful prosecutions.
This isn’t just a benefit to police officers. From shops to schools, public transport to bars and clubs, having clear and objective video evidence of interactions and incidents can help prosecute criminal and anti-social behaviour, but also protect personnel from false accusations. It strips away the potential for misunderstandings and disputes over conduct, and evidence from body-worn cameras can also be used to review incidents and tighten up procedures in the future.
Who Should Use Body Worn Cameras?
Threats to personal safety are sadly on the rise across society. That means that a growing range of professionals can benefit from body cameras. Here are some examples:
Retail Workers
Shoplifting and other retail crimes saw an eye watering 44% spike in 2023, an increase blamed largely on organised gangs. That puts shop workers directly in the path of often dangerous criminals. According to findings from the Retail Trust, 80% of shop workers have faced abuse at work, ranging from verbal threats to assault. Body cameras can provide an invaluable resource for deterring theft and threats, especially to staff working in commonly targeted sectors like supermarkets and convenience stores, as well as providing evidence in case of disputes or legal actions.
School Staff
One of the saddest statistics about rising rates of violence is the fact that incidents of abuse of teachers by students are on the rise. One recent report states that 38% of teachers in Welsh schools were subject to violence or physical abuse from pupils in the past 12 months. Alarmingly, incidents of violence in schools involving weapons like knives are also on the rise. As well as protecting themselves, teachers and school authorities have a duty to protect all the young people in their care. The power of body cameras to act as a deterrent against violence can be invaluable in this regard.
Emergency Services
With attacks on firefighters and paramedics also unfortunately on the rise, all first responders can benefit from the ability of body cameras to deter violence and threats. At the same time, firefighters and paramedics often arrive at potential crime scenes before police, before it’s even realised a crime has taken place, in fact. Their body cameras can be crucial in documenting crime scenes at the earliest stages, recording interactions with the public, and capturing critical evidence.
Civil Enforcement Officers
Like first responders, civil enforcement officers such as community safety teams and traffic wardens are often on the front line dealing with petty crime and anti-social behaviour, and can frequently come under threat themselves. Using body cameras allows them to document violations, resolve disputes, and protect themselves from harassment.
Security Teams
After first responders, body-worn cameras are most commonly associated with security personnel. From door staff to private security guards, wearing body cameras helps professionals deter crime, document incidents, protect themselves and collaborate with law enforcement.
Rail Workers
Ticket inspectors often find themselves subject to unwanted aggression and threats over unpaid fares. Body cameras serve as a valuable deterrent in interactions with passengers, as well as documenting disputes over payment and travel. But as well as workers on trains themselves, railway engineers are often exposed to high-risk conditions. Cameras can provide a protective link to colleagues, document safety hazards, and provide evidence in case of accidents.
Construction Contractors
Like railway engineers, construction workers are used to working in high-risk environments where heavy machinery, dangerous materials and working at height pose significant safety challenges. Effective safety management and risk mitigation are all about having robust protocols, including for dealing with emergencies, and being able to evidence how these are implemented. Body-worn cameras help construction teams monitor safety threats both proactively and reactively, including making emergency response decisions based on real-time feeds as incidents unfold.
Summary
By adopting body camera technology, organizations can enhance accountability, improve safety, and strengthen their ability to collect evidence.
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FAQs
How do body cameras handle low-light or nighttime environments?
Body cameras designed for professional use often come equipped with low-light technology or infrared (IR) capabilities to ensure clear recording in darker environments. These features allow the camera to capture detailed footage even in challenging lighting conditions, making them effective tools for maintaining visibility and accountability at any time of day.
Can body cameras prevent false accusations against officers or civilians?
Body cameras can help prevent false accusations against officers or civilians by providing clear video and audio records of interactions. This evidence can resolve disputes and ensure events are represented accurately. They reduce reliance on subjective accounts, improving transparency and trust in law enforcement.
What are the costs of maintaining and upgrading body camera systems?
Maintaining and upgrading body camera systems comes with costs. These include paying for secure video storage, often in the cloud, as footage needs to be kept for long periods. Regular maintenance, software updates, and occasional repairs are also necessary to keep the cameras working properly. Upgrades, like improving resolution or adding security features, can increase expenses further. These costs are part of running a reliable body camera programme.