News Analysis: British Standard 8593 for Body-Worn Video *Organisations involved in the development of BS 8593: Association of Security Consultants, Big Brother Watch, the British Security Industry Association, the Home Office, the Information Commissioner’s Office, the Metropolitan Police Service, the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the National Security Inspectorate, the Security Industry Authority, the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board and Transport for London. In an individual capacity, IndigoVision, Edesix and SoloProtect were also involved in BS 8593 encryption are all covered in BS 8593. A separate clause focuses on data management and security including data integrity, audit trails, storage and sharing redaction. Training for device wearers and data handlers as well as general operator guidance is provided in the British Standard, along with a dedicated clause covering monitoring, escalation and response as agreed with the system owners. The British Standard is applicable to bodyworn video users and system owners as well as the suppliers and procurers of solutions. Examples of where body-worn video systems might be used include by the Emergency Services and for taxi marshalling, warden schemes, security guarding, parking enforcement and door supervision. Empowerment for police officers New research has revealed widespread support among front line police officers for body-worn video cameras, with officers finding their use “empowering”. The independent study, conducted by criminologists at London Metropolitan University, looked at officers’ attitudes towards the technology during trials with the City of London Police. The police officers involved in the study were interviewed both before and after the trial to identify any shifts in attitude towards the technology. The research discovered that 83% of police officers feel body-worn cameras should be adopted, with one adding that such cameras are “the best piece of kit” they’ve used. The report, entitled ‘Trialling Body-Worn Video Cameras for the City of London Police: Perceptions and Justice Outcomes’, also states that more than 90% of officers believe such cameras will assist with evidence gathering. Lead author Dr James Morgan from London Metropolitan University said: “Contrary to many assumptions regarding ‘cop culture’, the officers surveyed and interviewed for this study were very progressive in their approaches to this new technology. They want greater accountability and oversight. They believe in their own policing practice and wish this to be recorded. The findings also point to a particular context in policing where officers’ actions are often scrutinised by members of the public who are armed with their own recording equipment. The participants in this study wanted their own footage to counter negative portrayals of the police which might be found on social media, in turn having their perspectives and experiences better understood by the wider public.” Morgan added: “Police officers are mainly positive about this technology, and most notably so in the hope it will reduce spurious complaints and give the police the opportunity to show the pressures under which they work.” Reducing assaults Another interesting finding is that officers believe the presence of a camera has a positive and calming effect on confrontational situations. Morgan commented: “As well as reducing complaints, it’s hoped that this technology will reduce the time officers spend preparing evidence for court, increase guilty pleas and contribute towards a reduction of assaults perpetrated on police officers.” Second author Dr Dan Silverstone, who now works at Liverpool John Moores University, added: “The findings are particularly important because they address the stereotype that police officers often face. Body-worn video cameras will play a significant role in improving police legitimacy and enhancing public safety. At the time of the study, there were issues to be addressed in terms of ensuring that the evidence from the cameras was compatible with the Crown Prosecution Service’s own systems. When these issues are resolved, evidence from the cameras will increase the speed and success of prosecutions.” The idea of body-worn cameras in policing is relatively new, with the first cameras being tested back in 2005. Increasing confidence Chief Superintendent David Lawes from the City of London Police observed: “We’re confident that the continued use of body-worn video cameras will help us to build on our efforts to bring policing in the Square Mile into the 21st Century, while also increasing confidence in our officers and the difficult job they do.” Lawes went on to comment: “These cameras already play an important role in our policing regime as the mere presence of this type of solution can often prevent potentially volatile situations from escalating.” **See also this month’s dedicated feature on Lone Worker Security and Safety authored by SoloProtect’s managing director Craig Swallow (pp30-31) “Device recommendations such as functionality, weight, image quality and encryption are all covered in the new British Standard. A separate clause focuses on data management and security including data integrity, audit trails, storage and sharing redaction” 10 www.risk-uk.com
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