Agenda item

(A report by Christian Allen, Assistant Director – Regulatory)

The Community Safety Manager presented a report on the proposed Body Worn Video (BWV) Policy, which had been developed as part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to the health, safety and welfare of its staff, service users, and others affected by its activities. The policy, attached within the report as Appendix A, had been introduced as a new partnership-wide framework, intended to standardise the use of BWV devices across the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership.

Members were advised that the policy would enable frontline officers to utilise BWV devices in circumstances where it was lawful, reasonable, justifiable, and proportionate to do so. The policy had been designed to ensure compliance with data protection principles and to embed appropriate technical and organisational safeguards into the Council’s operational procedures.

The Community Safety Manager explained that the BWV devices provided a high standard of evidence when used in regulatory and enforcement activities. However, they the policy set out clear guidance on when and how devices should be used, including procedures for collecting, downloading, processing, presenting, and retaining video and audio evidence.

The BWV would only be deployed where necessary—either to reduce aggression towards officers or to support evidence gathering in accordance with legal requirements and best practice.

Members were invited to comment on the policy and associated documents, and the officer confirmed he would be happy to respond to any questions raised.

The Committee engaged in a detailed discussion on the proposed Body Worn Video (BWV) Policy. Members welcomed the clarity of the policy and its emphasis on lawful, proportionate, and justifiable use of BWV devices by Council officers.

Members discussed the practical benefits of BWV use within Boston, particularly in relation to officer safety and the deterrence of aggressive behaviour. Members considered the potential for BWV to support enforcement activity, including the collection of evidence in cases such as fly-tipping. It was suggested that the availability of BWV could empower councillors and officers to respond more confidently in situations where anti-social behaviour or environmental offences were witnessed.

Members raised questions regarding the operational life of the BWV devices. While the officer was unable to provide a definitive lifespan, he explained that the cameras were robust and came with protective features to extend their usability. Members expressed support for the use of BWV and discussed the procedures for data retention and disposal. The officer provided an overview of the data handling protocols, including the 30-day retention period for non-evidential footage and the secure storage of evidential material..

The Committee explored the legal rights of individuals captured on BWV footage and were informed that subject access requests could be made under data protection legislation. The officer explained the procedures for handling such requests, including redaction of third-party data and the safeguards in place to protect privacy. 

Members discussed the potential use of AI and Face Recognition technology. It was confirmed the current BWV devices did not support facial recognition, and there were no plans to implement such functionality at this time.. The Committee also considered the accessibility of reporting mechanisms for members and the public. The officer confirmed that an online reporting form was available and could be used to submit incidents or concerns related to BWV usage.

Further discussion took place on the scope of BWV deployment across the borough. Members queried whether the devices could be used by councillors or other staff. The Community Safety Manager clarified that, at present, BWV devices were intended for use by enforcement officers only, although future expansion of use could be considered.

The Chairman concluded the item by thanking the Community Safety Manager for a well-written and comprehensive report. He noted that the policy was another example of effective partnership working and endorsed its submission to Cabinet for approval.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

[The Community Safety Manager left the meeting following consideration of the above item at 7.32pm.]