BODY-WORN CAMERAS: EARLY RESULTS SHOW PROMISE

The recent trial of body-worn cameras at four of our stations (Willesden Junction, West Croydon, Stratford Platforms 1 and 2, and Gospel Oak) has shown promising results, highlighting their potential to improve safety for frontline colleagues. Thirteen cameras were deployed in total among colleagues at the selected stations.

With body-worn cameras being entirely voluntary, colleagues were allowed to participate, and the process involved close collaboration with trade unions to ensure everyone was well-informed and comfortable with the new technology. This approach helped address initial concerns and clarified how the cameras would be used.

Initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

Of the 15 responses received from agency and ARL employees who participated in the trials, 73% of colleagues reported feeling safer while wearing the camera, and the same number felt that the camera had a positive impact on their work.

These results demonstrate that the cameras are already proving valuable in helping colleagues feel more confident and secure in challenging situations.

Notably, West Croydon saw a high level of activity and camera usage, with some use also reported at Gospel Oak. However, Stratford did not register any camera usage during the trial, and Willesden Junction registered few usages after the trial monitoring period. This difference in usage will be carefully reviewed to ensure the system can be tailored to meet the needs of all stations.

The body-worn cameras have effectively deterred anti-social behaviour and provide crucial support for colleagues dealing with difficult interactions. Station colleagues have expressed that having cameras offers reassurance and helps manage challenging situations more effectively. However, some feedback highlighted concerns regarding sharing HI vests and health-related issues, which will be addressed as the programme progresses.

A huge thank you goes to Theresa Opoku-Ware, customer host, and Shelton Shaw, customer service ambassador, for their delivery and support in creating the training, with backing from Nishalini Sookun, learning and development advisor, Pauline Lawler, customer experience strategy delivery manager, and Shannell Phillips-Turner, stations assistant dispatch.

Gary Marshall, customer service ambassador, and Tracey Martin, customer host, created a fantastic, informative training video on using body-worn cameras, an essential part of the initiative.

Graham Naughton, revenue protection and security stakeholder manager, has also worked incredibly hard to organise and lead this project — his efforts have been invaluable to the trial's success. Graham Naughton, revenue protection and security stakeholder manager, has also put in an incredible amount of work in organising and leading this project — his efforts have been invaluable to the success of the trial.

The trial marks just the beginning of a wider initiative, with plans to expand the use of body-worn cameras across more stations. The feedback from the trial, both positive and constructive, will help refine the approach, ensuring that colleagues are provided with the tools they need to feel safe and supported in their roles.

As we move forward, we’ll keep working with trade unions to make sure the rollout of body-worn cameras goes smoothly. Anyone interested in using the cameras will receive training so you can feel comfortable with it. We're currently identifying the next cohort of stations where these cameras will be available.

If you are interested in using a body-worn camera, just fill out the form by clicking on the button below by Monday, 31 March, even if you've filled out a form before.