Body worn cameras frequently asked questions

How and when body worn cameras cameras are used?

Body worn cameras, BWV cameras, or body-worn video cameras, are used by frontline personnel in the private and public sector to record their interactions with members of the public. They are typically used in situations where there is a potential for violence or conflict, such as during fireground call out, responding to an action taken by a shoplifter, or dealing with an altercation on a university campus. The cameras are used to capture audio and video evidence that can be used in criminal proceedings or internal investigations. BWV cameras are typically worn on the chest or shoulder, and are activated when the user believes it is necessary to record an interaction.

Why are body worn cameras important?
Body worn cameras are important as they provide a reliable record of interactions between frontline workers and the public. They can help protect both employees and members of the public by providing an objective account of what happened in any given situation. Wearing a camera can also provide protection from false accusations, help to improve public safety, and can be used to build community trust and confidence.

Furthermore, BWV can build confidence by enabling self-assessments in real-time, help investigators review reactions in a situation, provide valuable insight for risk assessment in high-risk situations, and offer better training for employees by providing material for a collaborative training module with pre-defined outcomes.

How effective are body worn cameras?
Body-worn cameras or body worn video have been shown to be effective in reducing the number of complaints filed against frontline workers. Research has shown that body-worn cameras can help improve public perceptions of public sector employees such as police, firefighters, paramedics. In addition, body-worn cameras can help create greater transparency and accountability in law enforcement.

What are body worn camera policies and procedures?
Body-worn camera policy and procedures are guidelines that government agencies, and private businesses can use to ensure the appropriate use of body-worn cameras. The policy should address when and how employees should activate the cameras, how long footage should be stored, and rules for sharing footage with the public. 

It should also include protocols for maintaining the security of the camera and its footage, including encryption and other protective measures. Additionally, the policy should include procedures for reviewing footage and provisions for disciplining employees who violate the policy.

Do you need a CCTV Licence to wear a body camera?
No, you do not need a CCTV Licence to wear a body camera. However, if you are using the body camera to monitor or record people in a public place, you may need to comply with applicable data protection laws.

Is there legislation for body worn cameras in the UK?
In the UK, the use of body-worn cameras became regulated in 2016. The main legislation governing the use of body-worn cameras is the Police and Crime Act 2017, which outlines the parameters of how this technology should be used. According to this legislation, body-worn cameras must be used in a manner that is consistent with the rights of individuals as outlined in the Human Rights Act (1998), as well as in accordance with the surveillance camera code of practice (2016). 

The use of body-worn cameras is subject to a number of restrictions, including that they must only be used for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime, or in order to gather evidence for use in proceedings in court. Additionally, the footage collected must not be used for any other purpose than those stated in the legislation, and must be deleted once it is no longer required.

What are the data protection restrictions in the UK for body worn cameras?
In the UK, there are specific data protection restrictions in place for the use of BWCs. 

The UK’s Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) and the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA) both provide the legal framework for the use of BWCs in the UK. Under the DPA, data must be processed fairly and lawfully, and only for a specified purpose. The HRA also provides that any data collected must be necessary and proportionate. Under the DPA, personal data obtained from the use of BWCs must be processed in accordance with eight data protection principles. 

This includes the principle of fairness and transparency, meaning that the data subject must be informed of how their data is being used and their rights under the DPA. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has provided guidance on the use of BWCs in the UK. They recommend that organisations using BWCs should have a specific policy setting out when and how the cameras can be used, and that there should be clear rules and processes.

Do body worn cameras reduce crime?
The jury is still out on this question. There is some evidence that body worn cameras can reduce crime, but it is still too early to draw any definitive conclusions. Studies have shown that body worn cameras can reduce the number of complaints against frontline workers, increase public trust and improve  accountability and transparency. However, there is not enough data to determine whether or not body worn cameras actually reduce crime.

Do body cameras always record?
No, body cameras do not always record. Depending on the type of body camera, they typically record on demand when the user presses the record button at the start of an incident or encounter.

How do you tell if a body worn camera is recording?
Most body worn cameras have a visual indication that they are recording, such as a flashing LED light, or a digital display that will show the status of the camera. Some models may also have an audible indication that they are recording, such as a beep or a voice prompt.

Do bodycams record sound?
Yes, bodycams can record sound as well as video.

How do you retrieve data from a body worn camera?
To retrieve data from a body worn camera, you will need to connect the camera to a computer or other device with an appropriate data port. Once connected, you can then access the video footage, audio recordings, and any other data stored on the camera’s memory card. Depending on the type of camera, you may need to use specialised software to view the data.

Is a body worn camera classed as PPE?
No, a body worn camera is not classed as personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is clothing or equipment designed to protect a person’s body from injury or infection.

In summary

When implementing new strategies, specific criteria must be taken into account and implemented to guarantee effective use of body-worn cameras. At Radiocoms, our mission is to partner with our clients to help them manage safety challenges that range from staff training to field work.

You can learn more about body worn cameras and Radiocoms here. Alternatively, please email sales@radiocoms.co.uk or call 033 3939 022.

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