SBB transport police test bodycams
The SBB transport police are also testing the use of body cameras in Zurich and Lausanne over the next few months. The aim is to increase the protection of the transport police, while at the same time the cameras can also be used to provide evidence.
The SBB Transport Police (TPO) ensures security and order in Swiss railroad stations and public transport vehicles of various Swiss transport companies. In doing so, it works closely with the police corps and the relevant authorities of the cantons and cities. In this context, it is conducting a pilot with bodycams in parallel with the Zurich city police, SBB announced today. To ensure national coverage, two cameras per location will be tested at the Zurich and Lausanne bases from March 20, 2017.
TPO is marked
Transport police officers who are equipped with a body camera must be appropriately marked and recognizable. In addition, those affected must be able to recognize a running recording. The transport police officers use the bodycam at their own discretion and primarily for self-protection and, if necessary, to preserve evidence, according to the statement.
The 30-week pilot test with commercially available cameras will be scientifically monitored, as is the case with the Zurich city police. The TPO will submit an evaluation report to the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner after the pilot phase.
The security situation around the station has not changed fundamentally in recent years, according to SBB. Passengers still feel safe. However, in recent years there have been repeated attacks or unjustified accusations against transport police officers, train staff, SBB employees and other security bodies in public transport. According to the railroad company, one of the aims of the trial is to show whether the use of body cams can reduce the number of assaults.
SBB security strategy: Video surveillance is also part of it
SBB has been pursuing a "prevention-dissuasion-repression" strategy for years. In the area of prevention, the "RailFair"The company's focus is on "prevention through mediation of conflicts". The dissuasion consists of uniformed presence, plus video surveillance as a technical tool, emphasizes the railroad company. The transport police form the repression. The professional forces intervene in the event of criminal acts and ensure that the necessary legal steps are taken, as the company concludes.
