Many security and service personnel are exposed to violent attacks – including train attendants on local and long-distance trains. Passengers are often affected as well. In order to counteract conflict situations, transport companies are increasingly turning to technical solutions such as body cameras, which are designed to ensure the safety of staff and fellow passengers.
In order to explore the potential of body cameras, a field study was conducted on behalf of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia on their regular use in regional trains around Cologne, which was evaluated by LOGO. The study, conducted between 2018 and 2020, focused, among other things, on investigating the de-escalating effect of body cameras and their acceptance among employees and passengers. As a result, an evidence-based training concept for (train) personnel wearing body cameras has been developed, the key elements of which are presented in this article.
NetCo body cameras, which feature a powerful battery and a large, high-quality display, were also used in this study. 
What are the results of the body camera impact study? The study highlights the preventive properties of body cameras and proves that they contribute to an increased sense of security on trains. Over 90% of the security personnel and passengers involved have a high level of acceptance of body cameras as a technical safety measure. Only a small proportion of passengers are critical of body cameras due to data protection concerns and infringements of personal rights. Body cameras therefore have a reassuring and preventive effect and are rated positively by the study test group. However, it was also found that this effect is not automatically guaranteed when the camera is worn, but that professional handling is required in order to exploit the full potential of the body camera. It is therefore essential to train staff correctly and on an evidence-based basis before using the body camera.
How can staff be best prepared for the use of body cameras? The results of the body camera impact study were used to develop content for de-escalation training, so that staff are protected from assaults that may be attributed to the wearing of body cameras, among other things.
Important components of body camera de-escalation training are summarised below: * Technical aspects * Legal aspects * Attitude and behaviour-related elements * Use of at least one functional body camera
Prior to using a body camera, staff must be familiarised with all of its technical functions so that they know exactly what to do when a situation escalates. It is also important to address the legal aspects so that the body camera can be used in a legally compliant manner and the data protection regulations can be clearly communicated to passengers.
In addition to technical and legal aspects, intensive attention should also be paid to communicating attitude and behaviour-related elements: in order to minimise the likelihood of escalation, situations must be assessed correctly. The key here is when and how to draw attention to the body camera and when to activate it in a critical situation. If staff act insensitively and switch on the body camera too early, for example, this can be demonstrably counterproductive and even dangerous. Furthermore, care should be taken to ensure that at least one functional body camera is used during training so that the body camera can not only be demonstrated in detail to the operational staff, but also so that the correct handling of the camera can be tested. In addition, only the evaluation of the conversation simulation can reveal attachment and positioning errors, because if the camera does not capture the other person, neither preventive nor repressive benefits can be realised. Furthermore, the uncertainties and dangers associated with the use of body cameras can be clarified in this way. The timing and manner in which the body camera is switched on in a potentially critical situation should be well practised during training so that negative experiences in using the body camera in reality can be counteracted. ## Conclusion: De-escalation training for successful body camera use
Knowledge of the correct use, the appropriate settings for the body camera, trained judgement and confident handling only have a positive effect when combined, ensuring the prevention and de-escalation of (potentially) critical situations. Body camera training prior to deployment is therefore highly recommended and protects personnel from assault. The above training recommendations are evidence-based and the training concept itself has been tested and optimised with operational personnel. Since 2020, LOGO has also been offering body camera de-escalation training for personnel outside the regional rail transport sector (e.g. airport security, public order office).