SWR’s Body-Worn Cameras: UK Railway Safety Boost

SWR expands bodycam use, launches anti-abuse poster campaign amid rising assaults on staff.

SWR’s Body-Worn Cameras: UK Railway Safety Boost
September 16, 2025 12:55 pm
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Introduction

South Western Railway (SWR) is expanding its use of body-worn video cameras and launching a new poster campaign to deter abuse against its frontline staff, following a rise in assaults and verbal threats.

Rising Incidents

SWR has reported more than two assaults daily across its network this year. According to the British Transport Police (BTP), reported violent and public order offenses on the railway doubled between 2020-21 and 2024-25.

Implementation of Body-Worn Cameras

Following an initial trial in 2021, body-worn video cameras have been introduced across customer-facing roles. The cameras capture 30 seconds of footage before activation. The footage is intended to deter anti-social behavior and provide evidence for investigations.

Poster Campaign Details

SWR has launched a new poster campaign featuring images of abuse from the perspective of a colleague, captured on a body-worn video camera. The campaign aims to highlight the impact of abuse on staff and the consequences for offenders, including arrest, court, and prison. The campaign has a dual purpose: to instil empathy for colleagues who face abuse, and to remind offenders that their actions can lead to serious criminal consequences.

Additional Measures

SWR has invested in a new colleague app to streamline incident reporting, sharing information directly with BTP. Research by the Rail Delivery Group and BTP suggests that body-worn video cameras can reduce the likelihood of assault by 47%.

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Conclusion

South Western Railway is taking steps to address the rise in assaults and abuse against its staff by expanding the use of body-worn cameras and launching a new poster campaign, along with a new app for reporting incidents.

Company Summary

South Western Railway (SWR): SWR is a railway operator that has reported an increase in assaults and abuse against its frontline colleagues.

British Transport Police (BTP): The BTP is a police service responsible for policing the railways and has reported a doubling of violent and public order offenses.

Rail Delivery Group: The Rail Delivery Group commissioned research on the impact of body-worn video cameras.

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