Can security guards wear body cameras?

In the UK, the average person will be captured in surveillance footage several times a day. Most people realise that surveillance helps to keep them safe. A study published by Cardiff University found that although the public has privacy concerns, 90 percent of people feel that surveillance improves security. 

Apart from static surveillance cameras, body worn cameras form part of the surveillance landscape. They are used by people who need to document interactions and events they are involved in throughout their working day. These include police officers, emergency services personnel, security guards, healthcare workers, retail workers, transportation staffers, and sometimes, even journalists. 

However, there are laws governing privacy, and the ethical use of body worn cameras is regulated by certain laws and general principles. In this article, we’ll look at the circumstances in which security guards may record footage using body worn cameras and how their employers can ensure compliance with regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the UK. 

Principles guiding the use of body worn cameras  

Three main principles govern the lawful and ethical use of body worn cameras in the UK. They are transparency, necessity and proportionality. 

Necessity

There must be valid reasons why your security guards need to use body worn cameras. These include a need to enhance safety and security, a need to gather evidence, and the need to ensure that security personnel are held accountable for their actions. 

Proportionality

With the necessity or reasons why body cameras are used having been clarified, proportionality must be understood. The use of body worn cameras should never exceed the purposes for which they are being deployed. 

Although recording in public spaces is generally acceptable, there are spaces in which people might reasonably expect their privacy to be respected. For example, restrooms and changing rooms and private homes would ordinarily be off-limits.

Besides this, body worn cameras should only be activated when necessary, and there are situations in which people being filmed should give their consent. For example, in sensitive situations such as medical emergencies or when a subject is emotionally distressed, it may be necessary to ask for their consent before capturing footage. 

Transparency

When security guards use body worn cameras, the people with whom they interact should be aware that they are being filmed. This can be done by posting notices in prominent locations such as building entrances. Besides this, security personnel should inform any individuals whose actions they record that cameras are being used. 

Can security guards use body worn cameras? These regulations apply

Several sets of regulations may apply to the use of body worn cameras. These may include:

The Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA)

The Data Protection Act applies to the processing of personal data including body worn camera footage. Data gathered must be lawful, it must be gathered fairly, and the principle of transparency must be applied. In addition, the storage and processing of footage must be compliant, adhering to data protection requirements.

Protection of Freedoms Act 2012: Surveillance camera code of practice

The Protection Freedoms Act contains the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice. It sets out 12 principles guiding the use of surveillance cameras including body worn cameras. 

These include limiting access to footage to authorised personnel, secure storage of footage, and a requirement for regular reviews to ensure that the use of cameras and footage aligns with regulations. 

It further reinforces the principles of limiting storage to necessary footage and storage timeframes as well as underlining the requirements for transparency and compliance with the British Standards Institution’s PAS 200.

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) guidance

ICO Guidance covers the use of body worn cameras. The ICO is the UK’s independent data protection authority, and its guidance takes a practical approach to topics like obtaining consent and the handling of footage. 

Security Industry Authority licensing

If you are using security footage of any kind, including footage from body worn cameras, Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensing is a requirement. For example, those responsible for viewing and monitoring body worn camera footage must be licensed to do so.

Employment law and human rights legislation

When body worn cameras are used in the workplace, employment and human rights laws must be observed. These include the rights to privacy, dignity and employers’ compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). 

If cameras are being used specifically to monitor employees, a worker consultation and representation process may be required before implementation and their consent may be required. 

Other principles to be upheld include equality and anti-discrimination laws. In addition, the use of body worn cameras should not compromise employees’ health and safety. Finally, the use of body worn cameras should be aligned with disciplinary and grievance procedures and employees should be informed of their rights. 

Pros and cons of body cameras for security guards

Advantages of body worn cameras for security guards

Body-worn cameras can improve security and help security personnel to remain safe at work. The following benefits can be realised:

• The presence of security guards with body-worn cameras may deter offenders, improving overall security.
• In highly-charged situations, the presence of body worn cameras may help to de-escalate conflicts or disputes.
• Body cameras can alert supervisors to deploy additional assistance during incidents.
• Footage serves as evidence when offences occur, providing an objective view of what took place.
• Body camera footage promotes accountability among security personnel.
• Footage can be used for performance reviews and further training.
• Security guards can use body-worn cameras to confirm that they are following their work routines, for example, the routes they patrol.  

Disadvantages of body cameras for security guards

Many of the disadvantages of body camera use relate to regulatory compliance, costs and additional training needs. For example:

• Privacy concerns and ethics must be addressed.
• Data security must be prioritised.
• Relationships can become tense when employees or members of the public are aware that they may be under surveillance.
• There may be concerns about selective recording which could give rise to bias.
• Implementing the use of body cameras has cost implications including the cost of equipment, training costs, data security costs, and maintenance costs.

How to choose the best body cameras for security guards

Choosing the best equipment for your workplace environment can be a difficult task. At Radiocoms, we have access to leading brands including Hytera and Motorola Solutions body cameras. Other equipment that may benefit security guards includes two-way radios or push to talk devices and, where applicable, monitoring software like GPS-tracking and man down alerts. 

Radiocoms will support you and your security guards by helping you choose the right combination of voice, text, video, and data systems to meet your needs. Your unified platform from Radiocoms can support your security guards, helping them to maintain order and protect your assets while staying safe at work. Talk to us about body cams for your security team and discover the solution that’s right for you.