Body cameras in use: private security services & security personnel
Body cameras are becoming increasingly important for security personnel and private security services, as they not only provide protection but also transparency. Body cameras can thus improve respect for security personnel.
Should security personnel wear body cameras?
The use of body cameras by private security companies and security forces is growing. While body cameras are already established in the police, public transport and public order offices, more and more private security services are now investing in these compact devices to protect their employees from assaults and to secure evidence.
Current challenges in security services
Security personnel are at the forefront when it comes to protecting people. As security officers are often the first on the scene of an incident, they frequently face significant challenges such as:
- Increasing verbal and physical aggression
- High psychological stress during operations leads to absenteeism and costs
- False accusations cause damage to reputation
- Lack of provability of incidents
The role of body cameras in improving safety
Security personnel equipped with body cameras increase transparency and improve safety. The ability to record improves security procedures. The devices serve as impartial witnesses and can help de-escalate situations and strengthen confidence in staff decision-making.
- De-escalation: The visible camera, combined with targeted front display activation, de-escalates up to 75% of conflict situations.
- Preservation of evidence: Recordings that can be used in court provide reliable facts for investigations and legal proceedings.
- Employee protection: Fewer assaults and greater safety lead to less staff absenteeism and a better working environment.
The proven 3 stages of de-escalation
1. Show presence
The visible body camera acts as visual feedback and creates awareness of the situation.
2. Mirror function
The front display functions like a mirror: people see themselves and reflect on their behaviour.
3. Announce recording
The red LED signal indicates the start of recording, thereby enabling transparency and further de-escalation.
Legal basis and house rules
The use of body cameras must comply with data protection regulations and be measured against the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG). The legal basis for the use of body cameras is generally Article 6(1)(f) GDPR, which allows the processing of personal data for the purpose of exercising domestic authority and enforcing legitimate interests. In addition, Section 4 BDSG applies, which also permits the processing of personal data on the basis of the legitimate interests of the controller or third parties.
It is important to note that body cameras may only be used in specific situations:
- Switch on when a situation threatens to escalate immediately.
- Visual and audible signals must be activated to visibly alert affected persons to the recording.
- Information must be provided about data collection.
Use is prohibited in sensitive areas such as sanitary facilities to avoid surveillance pressure.
Receive a complimentary practical guideChallenges:
- Safeguarding the fundamental rights and freedoms of those affected
- Clear rules for commissioning, activating the body camera and deployment concept
- Protection against continuous and unwarranted recording
Opportunities:
- Greater safety for staff and those affected
- Subsequent identification of a suspect
- Pursuit of civil claims through clear preservation of evidence
Areas of application in the security sector
Event security and public events
Body cameras play a crucial role for private security services in event security and at public events to ensure safety and document incidents. NetCo offers event packages for weekly rental specifically for these short-term assignments with increased demand for body cameras.
Plant security and property protection
In plant security and property protection, body cameras serve to support staff as an additional "pair of eyes" and accompany them as potential witnesses. Security forces can thus use body cameras to secure evidence that is important in the event of criminal prosecution.
Safety in air traffic and public transport
Body cameras in the aviation sector document control procedures, secure evidence in the event of violations or resistance, and record security incidents and unauthorised access attempts. In public transport, body cameras increase passenger safety and help protect employees from assaults.
NetCo Body-Cam Pro: 2 variants with one goal
NetCo Body-Cam Pro without LTE
- Classic solution for stationary use
- Optimised for security services with centralised organisation
NetCo Body-Cam Pro with LTE
- No need to return to headquarters every day
- Flexible use thanks to mobile data connection
- Easy charging at the ChargeHub, at home or in the car via USB-C
GDPR compliance "Made in Germany" with the NetCo Suite
- Server location Germany: Storage exclusively in Germany
- AES-256 encryption: protection against unauthorised external access
- Role and rights concept: only authorised personnel are granted access.
- BDSG & GDPR compliant Meets all requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation and the Federal Data Protection Act.
NetCo is the only German manufacturer in the professional sector to offer a complete body camera solution – from hardware and software to secure data storage.
Everything about NetCo Suite
Rent NetCo Body-Cam
Rent the NetCo body cam from just £45 per month: with our economy tariff, we offer a flexible and cost-effective solution for regular use. The economy tariff is ideal for companies and organisations that want to use body cams on a permanent basis and starts at £50.00 per month plus VAT. The exact price depends on the number of body cams required, the number of mounts, the desired rental period in months and whether or not a streaming package is to be used.
For short-term assignments, we also offer our event package. This is ideal for events, temporary projects or time-limited assignments and can be flexibly adapted to your specific needs.
Prices in detailEvent package
Ideal for short-term use
The package includes:
- 4 body cameras
- 4 mounts
- 4-pack SmartHub
- Software licence NetCo Suite
No minimum term
VBG premium catalogue: Promotion of body cameras
Overview of VBG funding
The Verwaltungs-Berufsgenossenschaft (VBG) offers financial support for companies that invest in risk minimisation measures as part of its premium catalogue.
40% subsidy for the acquisition process
The VBG supports security companies in introducing body cameras with an attractive subsidy. The subsidy amounts to 40% of the investment costs. This subsidy covers not only the purchase of the body cameras themselves, but also the necessary software and training for employees. This comprehensive subsidy is intended to further promote the use of body cameras in the security sector.
NetCo Body-Cam meets all VBG criteria for security companies.
The NetCo body camera meets or exceeds all requirements set by the VBG as part of its funding programme. This ensures that companies that choose NetCo body cameras can benefit optimally from the financial advantages.
| VBG premium catalogue | NetCo Body-Cam |
|---|---|
| Water and dust resistant according to IP 67 | Water and dust resistant according to IP 67 |
| Access to data by the body camera wearer is excluded. | Access via UserID/PIN login excluded. |
| Red light during recording | Red light during recording |
| Secure attachment to clothing/vest | Click-Fast System by Peter Jones |
| Possibility of pre-recording | Pre-recording adjustable in steps up to 120 seconds |
| Wide-angle camera | Up to 165° wide angle |
| Resolution at least in HD quality (720p). | Full HD resolution up to 1,080p |
| Low-light sensitivity camera | Camera with low light sensitivity and night mode |
| Battery life at least 8 hours on standby | Battery life up to 20 hours depending on model and configuration. |
| Data encryption, for example AES 256 | Data encryption with AES 256 |
| Integrated timestamp of the recorded data | Integrated timestamp of recorded data, comprehensive software package |
| A body camera with a mirrored monitor is recommended. | Integrated monitor with mirror function, 2.8-inch TFT colour display |
Greater security through body cameras in private security services
The NetCo Body-Cam Pro, in conjunction with clear deployment concepts and use of VBG funding, offers security personnel an effective and affordable tool:
Secure your free consultation now
We advise you on the optimal body camera solution for your security service – including training and software solutions.
Get advice now