Hospital staff body cameras
The devices were piloted at the hospital after Police started to use them across Blackpool. BSafe Blackpool, who helped provide the cameras, suggested hospital security staff also use them as they often deal with anti social behaviour from patients or visitors. The state of the art equipment will be used by security officers at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in an effort to deter anti-social behaviour or provide evidence to police for prosecutions if any offence is captured.
The cameras are worn on the security officers body armour and can be activated by the officer if any incident occurs. The cameras then record digital images in the same way as traditional CCTV systems and also have the added advantage of recording sound. Officers using the devices will, if time allows, provide people with a verbal warning that their behaviour is unacceptable and of their intention to record it.
Councillor Tony Williams, Chairman of BSafe Blackpool, added: “We received very positive feedback from police when we provided them with the body cameras. The staff at the hospital should not be disrupted from their work by anti social behaviour and as one of our partners we were more than happy to help them combat the issue.”
Karen Sanderson, the Trust's Security Management Specialist, said: "We are always looking at various ways to help in providing a safe environment and believe that the use of body camera technology will help act as a deterrent which in turn will help to reduce incidents of violence, aggression and acts of anti-social behaviour.
"They will also support police and NHS prosecutions against those who commit crimes against Trust staff, property, patients and visitors."
"When officers respond to situations wearing the new body cameras, it is hoped the idea of having actions captured both visually and by sound will defuse a situation without any further escalation,"
