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Last modified: 19 Aug 2024 4:00pm

small body worn camera and badge with video recording written on it

Equipped with body-worn cameras over the last couple of months, approximately 25 of our operational staff now feel safer about going out in the field, in case they are faced with threatening behaviours or unsafe situations.

The body-worn cameras are just one of a number of approaches to prioritising the health and safety of council staff, which also includes de-escalation training.

This preventative approach is already helping to facilitate positive interactions between staff and the public.

Head of Regulatory Susan Atherton says being proactive about staff safety is the main reason for introducing the body-worn cameras.

“Body-worn cameras are one of the many tools we use to keep staff safe and this has been welcomed by staff and the Council. The feedback we’ve received so far is that it is working well and, in some situations, the cameras have been effective at de-escalating threatening behaviour.”

The front-facing camera provides the public with an opportunity to behave appropriately when dealing with council staff and provides complete transparency of what is being recorded.

Depending on the situation, a recording may be used as evidence.