Trouble on Metro to be caught on camera
STAFF CAN RECORD INCIDENTS
Reporter TROUBLEMAKERS on the Metro have been warned they will be caught on camera as staff make use of the latest technology.
Frontline Nexus staff have been provided with body-worn cameras in an initiative by the Tyne and Wear Metro managers to curb anti-social behaviour.
The scheme is being rolled out permanently after a successful trial on the Metro and bus stations, with the aim of clamping down on disorder and ticket dodging.
Each camera will be clearly marked on staff uniforms and will only be switched on when staff want to record a situation.
A red light on the devices will make it clear when video is being recorded and the image will also be visible on a screen.
It is hoped passengers will be reassured by the use of cameras, which will also designed to protect staff from abuse and malicious complaints.
Metro services director Chris Carson said: “These new cameras will help to deter anti-social behaviour on our network and give reassurance to law abiding customers.
“It will make people think twice about challenging members of staff who are just doing their jobs. Footage can be passed to the police for them to use as evidence. The images are captured digitally, so the footage is crystal clear.
“Overall crime rates on the bus and Metro network remain low, but we are stepping up our efforts to crackdown on issues of anti-social behaviour and ticketless travel. The body-worn cameras provide our staff with a new tool in this fight.”
The footage will be made available to Northumbria Police and the British Transport Police (BTP) to support any prosecutions.
Metro Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant Tim Hand of Northumbria Police said: “The introduction of body cameras for frontline Nexus staff will really help us when tackling issues of anti-social behaviour on public transport and around the stations.
“The fact that our officers can easily access video footage will be a massive advantage to us when it comes to providing clear evidence for convictions.”
Inspector Brian Buddo from BTP said: “Our research has showed that not only do body worn cameras provide vital evidence in cases and speed up the justice process for victims, but they also protect rail staff and officers from malicious complaints and will reassure the public as they travel on the Metro system.
“The cameras will also help Nexus staff in some of the challenging situations they face as the presence of a camera can often help defuse escalating incidents.”
Footage can be accessed by Northumbria Police and the British Transport Police to support prosecutions.