Low Cost Interventions
14. Body Worn Cameras
Body worn cameras are small, portable devices worn by staff to record interactions and incidents as they happen. They are typically used in customer-facing roles and can be activated when a situation begins to escalate or feels unsafe.
For business owners, body worn cameras can act as a strong deterrent against abuse, theft, and anti-social behaviour, as individuals are less likely to offend when they know they are being recorded. They also provide clear audio and video evidence if an incident occurs, helping to support investigations and resolve disputes. In addition, they can increase staff confidence and safety, particularly in challenging situations.
Low - Cameras can vary from £70 per camera up to £400 dependent on the specification.
Short-term/Medium-term. Often 1-2 days to go through training and familiarising yourself with the product. For simpler cameras, that do not require cloud setup, this can be immediate.
None to High. Some cameras will carry subscription costs for cloud backup of recordings however a number of affordable ones are available do not require this.
Why Joining DISC or Similar Schemes Reduces Staff-Targeted Aggression and Supports Evidence Gathering
- Incident Logging and Digital Evidence Collection
- Staff can promptly record incidents of abuse, threats, or aggression with detailed notes, dates, and locations.
- Supporting evidence such as CCTV images or photos can be attached, forming a thorough case history for use by police and partners.
- Improved Deterrence Through Visibility
- Offenders know their behaviour is being tracked across multiple businesses, which discourages further aggression.
- Being included in alerts or exclusion lists increases accountability and can prevent re-entry to affected premises.
- Empowers Staff and Builds Confidence
- Regular alerts and shared offender profiles give staff forewarning and help them feel more prepared.
- When incidents are taken seriously and addressed, staff morale and retention tend to improve.
- Supports Swift Response and Police Involvement
- Incident reports backed with evidence can be escalated quickly to law enforcement.
- Standardised reporting helps ensure clarity and faster action from police or security teams.
- Enables Pattern Recognition and Intervention
- Repeated aggressive behaviour across sites can be tracked, flagged, and addressed.
- This allows for earlier interventions and more targeted responses to emerging threats.
Limitations
| Limitations | Explanation |
| Staff must consistently report | The system’s value depends on regular and thorough incident logging. |
| Time and resource requirements | Collecting usable evidence requires coordination and time investment. |
| Potential underreporting | Some incidents may go unreported due to staff reluctance or time pressure. |
Best Practice
- Foster a zero-tolerance stance toward aggression with clear internal policies and procedures.
- Train staff to use the platform effectively, including how to record and escalate incidents.
- Encourage debriefing sessions to ensure accurate reporting and staff wellbeing.
- Make evidence logging part of standard operations to build consistent reporting habits.
References
TBC