One of Britain’s biggest train firms has been forced to arm staff with bodycams following a surge in passenger violence.
South Western Railway (SWR) said it is expanding the use of the tech after recording more than two assaults every day in 2025, ranging from violent attacks to verbal threats.
“The introduction of body-worn video cameras will help deter anyone thinking of abusing a colleague and help prosecute those who do,” Jane Lupson, SWR’s safety and security director, told Need To Know.
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“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.”
Following an initial trial in 2021, SWR has now rolled out bodycams for staff in contact with the public, including train guards and gateline assistants.
The cameras will capture video and audio evidence for use in legal proceedings and could help deter assaults and other anti-social behaviour.
SWR has also launched a poster campaign showing intimidating incidents of abuse from the perspective of workers wearing bodycams.
A study by the University of Cambridge, commissioned by the Rail Delivery Group and BTP, suggested bodycams could reduce assaults on staff by 47%.
SWR also said it achieved the highest possible score of 100% for BTP’s safeguarding on rail scheme for two years running.
Ms Lupson added, “We hope this striking new campaign will remind potential perpetrators of the consequences of abuse – for colleagues and for them.”
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