Security staff add body worn cameras to their kit

09 Aug 2012

From September 2012, University security staff will carry body worn cameras (BWCs), which will allow them to obtain and secure evidence at incidents on campus.

A Security Officer with a body worn camera conducts an interview

BWCs will be used in many areas of the University and will be highly visible, being worn on the upper body on top of uniform and clearly marked "CCTV" (in the photo, the officer is wearing his BWC just below the knot of his tie).

A security officer will switch on the BWC only when s/he feels it may be useful, for example when responding to a report of a theft or detaining a suspect. A green flashing light will indicate that the BWC is operating and the security officer will give a brief oral warning to those present that the camera is recording both CCTV images and sound.

BWCs are already in use in many organisations, including other universities, the NHS, local government and businesses, and have a proven track record of effectiveness in:

Deterring anti-social behaviour and crime;
Recording events where there is conflict;
Protecting staff against accusations of misconduct;
Improving the quality of evidence when cases go to court;
Raising standards of service and providing a good reference for staff development.

All members of the security staff will receive full training prior to the introduction of BWCs and only then will they be allowed to carry and operate the equipment. A system has also been set up to manage and keep secure any CCTV footage that is obtained.

Security Manager Gary Rowe said; “We hope that the cameras will be of real benefit to the University and that they will be seen as another aid to keeping the campus safe and secure.”