Our civil enforcement officers (CEOs) wear video cameras to help them carry out their responsibilities safely and to provide an open and transparent service.
Body-worn video cameras are used overtly by many London local authorities to record the instances of aggressive behaviour towards CEOs. Merton's procedures are in line with the best practice guidance from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and the relevant legislation as detailed in Merton's Body-Worn Video Policy.
Body-worn video cameras are used for personal safety reasons and are intended to act as a deterrent to acts of aggression or verbal and physical abuse towards our officers. They are used to give our CEOs confidence to carry out their duties without fear of abuse.
Body-worn video cameras are also used while enforcing Blue Badge misuse.
Footage is recorded on a secure encrypted device and footage.
We will not keep footage for longer than necessary - generally speaking three months unless there is a reason to keep it longer, for example an appeal against a PCN or an ongoing prosecution through the police.
We do not tolerate aggressive or threatening behaviour towards our CEOs and we will use footage from incidents as evidence to prosecute offenders.
For more information please read the policy document below.
Body Worn Video Policy 25 July 2019