Bodycams for council recycling centre staff after rise in attacks

Image source, Google

Image caption, The council said the trial was to deter "violence and aggression" against its recycling centre staff

Perth and Kinross recycling centre staff will be fitted with body cameras after a "marked increase" in the number of attacks by members of the public.

The council said the 12-week trial was to deter "violence and aggression" against frontline staff.

The cameras will be only be activated if staff believe there is "potential for an inflammatory situation to develop."

The trial may be extended if there is a reduction in the number of incidents.

The local authority said it chose to pilot the scheme at its recycling centres as "the majority of hostile incidents documented to date" have taken place there.

Its environment, enterprise and infrastructure convener, Colin Stewart said: "I believe this technology will not only protect staff but also help drive down unfounded complaints against employees and enable the council to gather better evidence for swifter justice."