Greater employee protection: Successful first body camera pilot at Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe Berlin is relying on body cameras for greater safety in local transport: The body camera pilot project at Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) was launched in 2024. The aim was to increase the protection of BVG employees and reduce incidents of violence on Berlin’s underground network. During the one-year pilot phase, volunteer BVG employees tested a total of 18 body cameras from NetCo. The cameras were used in particular at conflict-prone hubs such as Alexanderplatz and Hermannstraße. Prior to this, all participants received comprehensive training in the use of the camera technology and the legal framework, particularly with regard to data protection and the GDPR. The BVG’s goal with the project was to de-escalate conflict situations, document potential attacks on employees and support the investigation of incidents on public transport.
© Maria Covelo Boente/BVG ### Incidents of violence at BVG: figures from 2024
In 2024, 327 attacks on BVG staff were reported, including 115 cases of bodily harm. In 18 cases, conflicts were defused simply by switching on the body cam. In a further 13 cases, video recordings were secured for potential handover to the Berlin police. The recordings are automatically deleted after 48 hours in accordance with GDPR.
A BVG spokeswoman confirmed to the Berliner Morgenpost: “The initial experiences of security staff with the body cams have been very good.” ### Extension of the body cam trial phase Following the successful completion of the 12-month pilot phase, the BVG has decided to extend and expand the body cam project. Until September 2025, the body cameras will be used more intensively and expanded to other locations in the Berlin underground network. A particular focus will be on optimising the deployment processes. Only after completion of this extended test phase will a decision be made on the permanent introduction of body cameras.
NetCo is advising the BVG throughout the project and providing body camera hardware, training and technical support. ## How does the body camera pilot phase work? A pilot phase is a controlled, time- and organisation-limited practical test in which the use of body cameras is tested under real conditions. The aim is to systematically evaluate technical functionality, legal framework conditions (especially data protection), effects on the behaviour of all parties involved, and operational feasibility. The findings serve as a basis for decision-making for a possible comprehensive rollout and ensure compliance and acceptance in later regular operation. At NetCo, the pilot phase consists of six steps:
1. Initial contact & needs analysis At the beginning, the specific needs are analysed together with the customer: What deployment scenarios are planned? What goals are to be achieved with the use of body cameras? The pilot is planned individually on this basis. A typical pilot phase lasts about 12 months.
2. Preparation & planning Once the contract has been signed, detailed project planning begins. Project managers are appointed, the IT infrastructure is checked and a training concept for employees is developed. In addition, a GDPR-compliant deployment concept is created (assistance with this is available for download). This ensures that all the prerequisites for successful trial operation are in place.
3. Rollout of the pilot hardware NetCo delivers the body cams, including SmartHubs and mounts. The pilot participants receive special training devices and are prepared both technically and legally for using the body cam.
4. Test period The body cameras are now used in everyday work. The focus is not only on technical functionality, but also on practical suitability in real-life situations in local transport. ## 5. Evaluation In this phase, feedback from users is collected and analysed. Which functions have proven themselves? Where is there room for improvement? The results are incorporated into the decision on the possible further use of body cameras. ## 6. Long-term use of body cameras Based on the evaluation results, if the outcome is positive, all employees can be equipped with body cameras. NetCo customer support remains permanently available and provides support during ongoing operations.
The 6 steps of the NetCo body cam pilot phase Would you like to use a body cam? Let us advise you! To our guide for the GDPR-compliant use of body cams As of March 2025