Rail Operator Northern (formerly Northern Rail) has deployed WCCTV's Body Worn Cameras to help deliver the safest possible rail network for its customers.
Northern will equip more than 350 of their staff across the north of England with WCCTV's body cameras as part of an ongoing programme of safety transformations.
The cameras will be worn by public-facing staff at stations and on trains. They will be used to capture ongoing incidents or to help secure evidence for British Transport Police.
The high-quality footage captured by WCCTV's body cameras is suitable for criminal cases and could be the deciding factor in securing convictions in court.
The cameras will provide enhanced protection for Northern staff when dealing with potentially threatening behaviour and improve safety for rail passengers.
Violent attacks and verbal abuse towards rail workers are a persistent challenge, with incidents continuing to rise during the COVID-19 pandemic.
WCCTV's body cameras have been deployed across the frontline, helping to protect retail workers, the NHS, the fire service, local authorities and rail staff.
Mark Powles, Commercial and Customer Director 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 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.
Chief Inspector Lorna McEwan of BTP said: "A trial using body-worn video cameras showed a significant reduction in assaults against rail staff.
"This is a positive step by Northern. As well as reducing incidents of assault on rail staff, by helping to diffuse situations, body worn cameras also reassure the public as they travel through stations and on trains."