A small group of NS chief conductors began using bodycams on Tuesday. The railway company plans to equip all chief conductors with the devices by the end of the year. According to an NS spokesperson, this will involve around 3,500 employees.
NS says previous trials showed that bodycams have a de-escalating effect. If an incident does occur, the footage can be used as evidence.
Conductors must complete a one-day training course before they are permitted to use a body camera. During the course, they learn how the technology works and when the device may be switched on. Chief conductors are allowed to record if a situation risks escalating or if they believe a criminal offence is taking place.
The footage may be viewed by the conductor involved and other authorised NS employees. The police and judicial authorities can also access the recordings if necessary. Images are automatically deleted after 28 days.
On Tuesday morning, State Secretary Annet Bertram (Infrastructure and Water Management, CDA) officially handed out bodycams to two NS conductors at The Hague Central Station. She described the measure as an “important step” towards safer public transport.
“Public transport must be a safe place for everyone, always and everywhere,” Bertram said. “This is especially important for women, who often feel less safe, particularly in the evenings.”
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
