A RISE in violence and abuse on firefighters has prompted crews to trial wearing video cameras.
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service will trial using body worn cameras in an attempt to deter abuse.
While violence against local crews is low, recent incidents have been serious and include firefighters being attacked by a group of young people carrying knives.
The 30 day trial will see services in north Warwickshire wear cameras – which will by activated when crews come across abusive or aggressive behaviour – and if it is successful is set to be rolled out across the rest of the county.
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 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.”
