Cameras worn at work

Department of Conservation staff have resorted to wearing body cameras and working in pairs, as they deal with increasing levels of intimidation while on the job. Andy Roberts, DOC’s operations director for the Eastern South Island region, said 2018 had been the ‘‘worst season ever’’ for staff intimidation, with a number of issues rearing their head. Roberts’ comments were in his monthly update to the Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board. ‘‘The police were involved in several cases and staff started wearing body cameras. Staff no longer patrol on their own.’’