SWR’s Body-Worn Cameras: UK Rail Safety Initiative

Introduction

South Western Railway (SWR) in the UK is increasing its deployment of body-worn video cameras for frontline staff to combat the rising incidents of assaults and abuse, with the cameras recording 30 seconds of footage before activation. The company has also launched a new poster campaign to raise awareness about the impact of staff abuse.

Deployment of Body-Worn Cameras

SWR is expanding the use of body-worn video cameras for its frontline staff, including train guards and gateline assistants. The cameras are designed to address the increasing number of assaults and abuse incidents reported by the company.

Rising Incidents and Impact

SWR has reported a concerning rise in assaults and abuse directed at its staff, documenting more than two assaults daily this year. Data from the British Transport Police (BTP) indicates that violent and public order offenses have doubled from 2020-21 to 2024-25. These incidents can negatively affect staff’s physical and mental health and disrupt railway operations. SWR collaborates with BTP to investigate these incidents and pursue criminal prosecutions.

Camera Technology and Campaign Details

Following a trial in 2021, SWR has rolled out body-worn video cameras. These cameras capture 30 seconds of footage before activation. SWR has launched a new poster campaign to highlight the consequences of staff abuse, depicting abusive incidents from the employee’s perspective and emphasizing legal repercussions. SWR safety and security director Jane Lupson stated that the rise in abuse is unacceptable. Research from the University of Cambridge, commissioned by the Rail Delivery Group and BTP, suggests that body-worn video cameras can decrease assaults by 47%.

Additional Safety Measures and Reporting

SWR has achieved a 100% score in BTP’s Safeguarding on Rail scheme for two consecutive years. A new app has been developed to facilitate easier incident reporting by SWR staff, sharing information directly with BTP. This campaign follows a previous initiative launched last year. In 2023, SWR announced the installation of publicly accessible automated external defibrillators at all 154 staffed stations in its network, investing more than half a million pounds in the project.

Conclusion

SWR is increasing the use of body-worn cameras and launching a poster campaign to address the rising incidents of staff assaults and abuse. These initiatives aim to deter abuse, document evidence, and raise awareness of the issue.

Company Summary

South Western Railway (SWR): A UK-based railway operator focusing on passenger services, addressing staff safety through various initiatives.

British Transport Police (BTP): A specialized police force providing law enforcement on Britain’s railway networks.