Body cameras are increasingly being used as a tool to enhance safety and accountability. But can security guards wear body cameras?

In this article, we’ll explore whether it’s appropriate for security guards to use them, the potential benefits, and how body cameras can contribute to crime reduction and improving security operations.

Can Security Guards Wear Body Cameras?

Although body worn cameras are often used by within job sectors such as the police, they’re becoming more popular within the security industry.

Security guards will use body surveillance cameras throughout their shifts and whilst they are completing routine patrols around a site.

What Is A Body Camera?

A body camera is a small video recording device that is worn on either clothing or hard hats. They’re used to record video footage and sound in security situations such as someone committing a crime.

Many businesses decide to use body cameras as they believe they can provide further protection.

How Do Body Cameras Work?

Body cameras will record footage in a similar way to security cameras. However, while one person may monitor and use security cameras at a time, body cameras will typically be used by two or more people.

One person will wear the camera whilst they’re patrolling around a building or site, while the others will be situated in a control room monitoring the footage in real-time.

Who Uses Body Cameras?

There are no specific laws on body cameras and who can use them. Many different job sectors choose to use them. Some people may decide to use them for personal reasons while others will use them for security protection.

Some of the most common job sectors where body cameras are used include:

• The police.
• The security industry.
• In the military.
• In the fire and rescue services.
• In retail facilities.
• On construction sites.
• In healthcare services.

Do You Need A CCTV Licence To Wear A Body Camera?

According to the SIA, if you’re using a body camera for security reasons then you’ll need a licence that has been approved by them. The most common licence required to review security camera footage is a CCTV licence. However, alternatives such as a security guard licence or close protection can be used as well. 

If you’re using body cameras to guard or protect members of the public from disorder or an assault, then you’ll need a CCTV licence. However, if you’re only using body cameras to stop trespassers or to protect a building then you may only need a security guard licence.

What Is The Goal Of Body-Worn Cameras? 

There are many reasons why people may decide to use security body cameras. Some businesses may use them as an extra layer of protection. Some guards will wear them to increase their safety at work.

However, the main purpose of body-worn cameras tends to be to reduce criminal activity.

Do Body-Worn Cameras Reduce Crime?

A common reason why so many security guards are now using body cams is because they’re an asset in reducing crime.

One way that body cameras can deter crime is by acting as a visual deterrent against thieves. When a potential criminal sees a guard wearing a security body cam, it makes them think twice before doing anything. People are typically less likely to commit a crime when they know they’re being watched. 

Another way that security body cameras can help to stop criminal activity is through their recorded footage. If a crime does occur, the recorded footage from the camera can be used as evidence and security guards will often use it to identify any criminals.

What Are The Benefits Of Body Worn Cameras?

Body cameras are known to be valuable as they provide extra protection. We’ve listed some of their most common benefits in more detail.

1. They Can Be Used As Evidence

One benefit of security body cameras is that they provide evidence. The recorded footage from these cameras can be used as evidence in law courts and in other situations.

For example, if a security guard has been wrongly accused of misconduct, the footage from the camera can be used against these allegations.

2. Body Cameras Are Easy To Carry

Another benefit of body cameras is that they are easily portable. Most body cameras can be easily clipped onto a security guard uniform, or installed in other pieces of equipment such as hard hats or glasses.

3. Night Vision Features

Most body cameras will be fitted with night vision features. This allows the cameras to record HD footage in darker areas and at night.

As night is a considerably more dangerous time for crime, body cameras with night vision features will provide guards with additional protection. Night vision body cameras will also be used by guards who work in areas that need around-the-clock security, such as construction sites.

4. Body Cameras Increase Safety

Security body cameras provide a strong security presence and can often increase the safety of a security guard. Online research has also shown that security officers feel positive about body cameras and some even feel much safer during their shift wearing them.

5. Body Cameras Can Be Used As Remote Surveillance

Another benefit of body cameras is that they can be used to perform remote surveillance. This means while one guard is wearing the camera during their shift, another officer can monitor and review the footage in real-time and see everything that the guard is seeing.

6. They Can Review A Guard’s Performance

Security body cameras can also be a valuable tool for reviewing a guard’s performance. Some supervisors may use the footage recorded from a camera to review a guard’s performance and may reward guards accordingly due to this.

7. Body Cameras Can Also Train Other Staff

Body cameras can be used to train newer guards. The recorded footage from body cameras may be shown to new guards to teach them about security situations.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Body Cameras?

Like most things, body cameras will have both pros and cons. We’ve discussed some of the disadvantages of security body cameras in more detail below.

1. People Feel Like They’re An Invasion Of Privacy

One disadvantage of body cameras is that some people believe that they’re an invasion of privacy. They can make people feel like they’re being watched.

2. They Can Be Expensive To Buy

Body cameras can be expensive to purchase, especially when factoring in the costs of high-quality models with advanced features.

For example, basic models may start at around £90, like the Elog X3. This offers high-resolution video but lacks encryption abilities.

On the higher end, more advanced cameras such as the Pinnacle Response range can cost over £700. Some of these cameras contain advanced features such as Bluetooth and GPS integration.

3. Body Cameras May Create Additional Liability Issues 

Although the recorded footage from cameras can be used as evidence, it’s also believed that they can cause liability issues depending on the situation and actions of a security guard.

For example, if the footage recorded from a body camera showcases a guard in a poor light, then it could be used against security firms during a lawsuit.

Should Security Guards Wear Body Cameras?

There’s plenty of debate about whether body surveillance cameras should be used by security guards. Some people dislike body cameras because they believe they’re an invasion of privacy while others think they can help increase safety.

Overall, many security companies believe guards should wear body cameras as they can help them complete their daily tasks and stop criminal activity.

Security body cameras can be used to not only help guards deter criminals while they patrol a site or property, but also to help train new security officers.

Security body cameras will also provide security officers with an additional layer of protection and can allow guards to feel much more secure about their safety at work.

So, Can Security Guards Wear Body Cameras?

Overall, many security guards feel positive about wearing body cameras at work. Many will use them to help them complete their daily tasks of stopping criminals. 

If you’d like to keep updated with the latest security guard news, why not check out our blog? You’ll find find articles about what equipment security guards use and whether guards can wear body armour.