Council licensing officers to use body cameras

Council staff have been issued with body cameras after officers experienced "aggressive behaviour and unpleasant situations".

The technology will be used by North Kesteven District Council's licensing team which manages permits for alcohol, entertainment, late-night refreshments, and business operations.

Use of the cameras was discussed by the authority's alcohol and entertainment licensing committee on Wednesday.

Councillor Mark Smith said: "The council will utilise the body worn video cameras to protect colleagues and members of the public, and to discourage the aggressive, abusive, and confrontational behaviour that our officers have been subjected to."

In a report sent to the committee, the authority said it had bought the cameras after licensing officers "had been subjected to some very unpleasant situations" during two compliance visits.

It said officers would have to verbally announce when the cameras were being used and follow a set of rules once the footage had been captured.

Smith added: "I'd like to reassure people that, once compliance is achieved or where no issues are identified, footage will be deleted.

"This is great news and will help ensure that our officers are safer when conducting visits and that, when required, we have comprehensive evidence to support investigations."

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