New body-worn video cameras will tackle 'rise in abuse' against SWR staff

South Western Railway (SWR) is expanding the use of body-worn video cameras for frontline colleagues to help tackle the ‘unacceptable’ rise in assaults and abuse.

So far this year, SWR has recorded more than two assaults every day against colleagues across its network, including violent attacks and verbal threats.  

The number of reported incidents of violent and public order offences has doubled between 2020-21 and 2024-25, according to British Transport Police (BTP). 

While improved reporting may explain some of the rise, the worrying upward trend is in line with similar increases observed in other public services and industries, such as the NHS and retail.  

These incidents can impact colleagues’ physical and mental wellbeing and affect railway operations if they take time off to recover.   

Following an initial trial in 2021, SWR has introduced body-worn video cameras for colleagues in customer-facing roles, such as train guards and gateline assistants.   

The cameras, which are activated by the wearer and capture 30 seconds of footage before activation, can deter assaults and other anti-social behaviour as well as collect video and audio evidence for use in legal proceedings. 

SWR supports BTP with investigations and criminal prosecutions.

Reporting incidents has been made easier for SWR colleagues following the development of a new colleague app, which shares the information with BTP.  

A new poster campaign to warn potential perpetrators of the impact that abusing colleagues can have, both for them and the colleague, has also been launched.

The new South Western Railway poster campaign warns perpetrators of the consequences, including criminal prosecution.

Three posters depict incidents of abuse from the perspective of a colleague, captured on a body-worn video camera, and show the perpetrators facing police custody, trial and prison.  

The campaign aims to prevent incidents by alerting potential perpetrators to the use of body-worn video cameras and reminding them of the consequences of abuse.  

A study published by the University of Cambridge, commissioned by the Rail Delivery Group and BTP, suggested that body-worn video cameras can reduce the likelihood of assault against the wearer by 47 per cent.

Jane Lupson, Safety and Security Director for South Western Railway, said: “The rise in abuse directed against our colleagues, including daily assaults, is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.  

“Keeping people safe on our railway is always our number one priority, not least our colleagues who serve our customers with care every day.  

“The introduction of body-worn video cameras will help deter anyone thinking of abusing a colleague and help prosecute those who do. 

“We hope this striking new campaign will remind potential perpetrators of the consequences of abuse, for colleagues and for them.”