Scotrail Staff To Wear Body Cameras In Inverness

ScotRail has announced that train staff will wear cameras to boost security at stations and on busy routes.

The 11-week trial begins later this month and will see about 200 station and train employees wear cameras at locations including Aberdeen, Ayrshire, Dunbartonshire, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Paisley.

Staff will only turn on the devices to help prevent or document incidents, ScotRail said, and a yellow symbol will clearly show when video and audio is being recorded.

The train operator said the technology has the potential to enhance safety and security by helping deter anti-social behaviour.

Jacqueline Dey, ScotRail's operations and safety director, said: While crime has fallen for ten consecutive years on Scotland's railways, we're determined to make rail travel feel even more comfortable for customers and staff.

Body-worn cameras are one element of this ongoing commitment and we are confident that customers will find them to be a reassuring presence.

Following the trial, we will carefully review feedback from staff, customers and industry partners before taking decisions on the next steps for the technology.''

Footage from the cameras, which are clipped onto uniforms, could potentially be used as evidence in court.

The trial was welcomed by the British Transport Police (BTP), who said rail staff have the right to go about their work without the threat of anti-social behaviour of any kind.

Chief Superintendent John McBride, BTP divisional commander in Scotland, said: The cameras will be a useful additional tool in deterring anyone intent on behaving in an unacceptable manner, as well as providing vital prosecution evidence for the courts.

The body-worn video cameras used by BTP in Scotland have already proven their worth in similar situations.''