SBB transport police officers will start wearing body cameras in September. SBB said on Tuesday it hoped their presence would help defuse conflicts, against a backdrop of heightened violence during certain incidents.

Each patrol will be equipped with at least one body camera, and a total of 100 cameras will be purchased, SBB said in a press release. These cameras do not record continuously, but are triggered when police officers intervene. Police officers will announce their activation verbally, if the situation permits, SBB adds.

An audible signal sounds and three front LEDs flash red when activated. The person being filmed can therefore clearly see when the camera is switched on, say the railroads. The person being filmed can also request that the camera be activated.

SBB hopes to use these devices to deter potential assailants, as it has noted an increase in violence during various incidents against staff members, despite a generally stable situation. Other safety measures have been taken this year, and some are still under study.

Data deleted after 100 days

The images will be stored on SBB servers in Switzerland and then automatically deleted after 100 days, unless the investigating authority has issued an editing order requiring the data to be handed over. Only Transport Police specialists have access to these recordings for evidentiary purposes.

The Transport Police has a staff of 200 officers operating throughout Switzerland on trains and public transport sites. Every year, they also provide security for over 500 major sporting events.

Source: www.lenouvelliste.ch/