Warwickshire fire fighters to wear body cams after shocking incidents of violent and threatening behaviour against them

The trial will begin in October when crews in Atherstone will start wearing the body worn cameras to any incidents they attend.

It comes after a crew in Atherstone were attacked by a group of youths - some of whom were carrying knives.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, Kieran Amos, said: “Unfortunately, the levels of violence against emergency service workers is on the increase and although attacks on Warwickshire firefighters remain low, the incidents that have occurred have been quite serious.

“Clearly these types of incidents are unacceptable, and we have some work to do within the local community. However, we must take every possible measure to ensure that our firefighters are safe when carrying out their role, protecting local communities.

“The cameras, which are also used by many police officers across the country, will record any physical or verbal abuse experienced our firefighters.

"We believe that they will act as a deterrent and will also capture evidence to help us to work with other agencies to prosecute when necessary to the full extent of the law.”

The cameras will not always be used - but will be activated if and when crews come across abusive or aggressive behavior.

If the pilot is successful, the scheme could then be rolled out across Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Any recording not used as evidence will be automatically deleted after 30 days.

Cllr Andy Crump, Warwickshire County Council portfolio holder for fire and community safety, said: “Fire fighters play a key role in protecting our communities and I welcome any initiative that helps to make them safer.

"The body worn cameras, which can record and save video and audio footage when they are triggered to do so, will be worn by fully-trained, operational staff at incidents to capture any abuse against firefighters who are undertaking their role.

"I am sure that the cameras will be a valuable resource to support learning and development and, ultimately, firefighter and public safety.”

For more information on Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue