Hull City Council parking enforcement officers will be trialling body cameras in the hopes of improving safety.
The scheme starts this month, with civil enforcement officers (CEOs) being equipped with body cameras during their daily activities. It is hoped that by documenting their interactions with the public, this will help to deter aggressive behaviour.
The council also hopes that it will assist with quickly resolving disputes and complaints from the public, as the footage will provide an ‘impartial record of incidents’.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure at Hull City Council, said: “We want our officers to feel safe and supported while they’re out doing their jobs, and introducing body cameras is one way we can help make that happen.
“By documenting interactions, these devices are proven to serve as a powerful deterrent against aggressive behaviour, ensuring a safer working environment for our officers. Additionally, they will help resolve disputes and complaints efficiently.
“This trial will provide valuable insights into the benefits and challenges of using this technology in our daily operations.”
The council says that all footage captured will be handled in accordance with GDPR regulations. It will only be reviewed in the event of a complaint or dispute involving a CEO or a member of the public and may be used as evidence in legal proceedings if necessary.