Civil Enforcement Officers to get Body Worn Video Cameras

Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) in Brighton & Hove are to be equipped with Body Worn Video Cameras.

From 3 July, the officers, known more commonly as traffic wardens, will begin wearing the cameras while carrying out their role to keep traffic flowing and enforce the city’s on street parking restrictions.

Working with our enforcement partner NSL, the cameras will be able to capture video and audio evidence to support prosecutions against anyone who is violent or abusive towards our officers.

They will also help to protect motorists and our residents.

Picture: A Body Worn Video Camera

How the cameras work

The cameras are mounted on the chest of the CEO.

The officer only begins recording if they feel they’re in a situation where it will help with their safety. The CEO will announce that recording has started.

All recordings are encrypted and stored and processed securely – CEOs are not able to view or edit footage. Recordings are kept for a period of 45 days, unless there is a lawful requirement to keep them longer.

Further information on how the data will be managed can be found on NSL/Marston Holdings website.

Denise Payne, Client Account Manager for NSL in Brighton & Hove said: “Civil Enforcement Officers have long experienced unacceptable levels of verbal abuse and violence towards them whilst simply trying to do their job.  

“We hope that the introduction of Body Worn Video Cameras will deter much of this behaviour but also provide us with the evidence we need to pursue prosecution where applicable.”

Protecting staff and improving safety

Councillor Trevor Muten, Chair of the Transport and Sustainability committee said: “The safety of our staff is extremely important and so I’m very pleased we’ll soon see CEOs wearing Body Worn Video Cameras.

“They’ll support them to carry out their vital role in keeping our city moving. They deserve the respect any of us would expect when doing our jobs.

“Violence and abuse towards our CEOs won’t be tolerated and any evidence captured which shows this will be passed onto the police.”