Door staff at bars and clubs in Wolverhampton city centre are being given body-worn cameras to help people feel safe on a night out.
Twenty one of the city’s most popular venues will be given the cameras after the council successfully bid for £15,000 from the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner’s office. They are all members of the city’s Pub Watch scheme which includes the Civic & Wulfrun halls, Faces, Yate’s, Royal London, Hogshead and Popworld.
Research shows that reported crime can fall by more than 80 per cent when door staff wear body cameras. The cameras are worn on the lapels of door staff and film their interactions with the public. Evidence shows that they can help diffuse difficult situations and maintain order. The council purchased the cameras from Wolverhampton-based firm Robocam which also supplies UK police forces.
The cameras are lightweight and easy to operate. Footage from body-worn cameras has been used as evidence in a number of successful prosecutions. Door staff have completed training in how to operate the cameras and they will be distributed to the venues over the coming weeks.
Councillor Elias Mattu, cabinet member for leisure and communities, said: “This innovative project, utilising cutting edge technology, has brought together all of the city centre’s biggest venues who will use the cameras to once again demonstrate the joined up approach to managing nightlife in Wolverhampton.
“These cameras are proven to reduce crime and fear of crime and we are delighted to have secured funding from the Police & Crime Commissioner for this important initiative. “Along with other measures such as taxi marshalls, the safe haven and the radio link, this latest scheme reinforces the message that Wolverhampton offers a great and a safe night out.”
