Dozens more body-worn cameras to be used across Leeds by Northern staff to tackle anti-social behaviour

The 52 cameras, which will be worn by staff at the station and on trains, will not record all the time, but will be used to capture on-going incidents or to help secure evidence for British Transport Police. 

 The high-quality footage is suitable for use in criminal cases and could be the deciding factor in securing convictions at court. 

Staff will be able to take photos as well as video and they will provide enhanced protection for when dealing with potentially threatening behaviour. 

Phil Jones, crime reduction manager at Northern, said: “We have already improved CCTV at many of our stations, and on our trains, to enhance security. The use of body-worn cameras is the next step to tackle any potential anti-social or criminal behaviour. 

“Thankfully, the rail network is relatively crime free, yet we are absolutely committed to making our trains and stations as safe as possible and the new cameras will help us achieve this.” 

Studies have shown that the presence of body-worn cameras significantly reduces crime and, when problematic behaviour persists, enhances the evidence available to the police. 

Northern first used body-worn cameras as part of a joint trial with British Transport Police and Cambridge University in 2017.  

In 2021, the rail operator is introduced more than 350 body-worn cameras for staff across the north of England. 

The train operator has also pledged to install more than 600 new CCTV cameras across its stations to provide even safer journeys for customers.  

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.