WEAR VALLEY: Stab vests and cameras for wardens

Stab vests and cameras for wardens

WEAR Valley street wardens will soon be wearing stab-proof vests and high-tech cameras to keep them safe as they tackle anti-social behaviour.

All of the wardens will be issued with anti-stab vests which they will wear at all times while on duty, funded by the Wear Valley Crime and Disorder Fund.

And they will also become the first wardens in the North East to trial a hi-tech miniature camera, which attaches to clothing, in a bid to catch offenders of anti-social behaviour. The tiny camera will be placed onto the jacket and records audio and visual information onto a hard drive, worn as part of a belt.

Street Warden supervisor, Debbie Hibbits said: “It’s all about improving the service the street wardens offer and giving them as much equipment as possible to enable them to do their jobs.

“We are trying to reassure the public that we are taking as many measures as possible to tackle the issues that most concern them.”

“We’ve never had cause to warrant a stab vest, but think it is important that street wardens feel as safe as possible when carrying out their tasks."

Phil Shaw, Anti-social behaviour co-ordinator for the council, said: “We are one of the first council in the North East to use these cameras specifically for ASBOs.

“If the wardens receive a call to say there are gangs congregating in a certain area they will wear the camera to better equip them when they arrive at the scene, “They will only be used when the wardens have an inclination that anti-social behaviour is taking place.”

Footage from the cameras can be used as evidence in court to help secure a conviction. Each image is electronically stamped with the date and time of when it was taken.

An integrated GPS receiver allows tracking and mapping of the exact location of street wardens in the field.

The cameras will only be worn when the wardens feel they are going into a situation were there may be a disturbance or where there may be evidence of fly tipping.

Wireless CCTV Ltd have supplied the camera which the wardens will share and trial across the district for a month.

The cameras were handed out yesterday for a month’s trial.

If successful, each street warden will be given one as part of their uniform.

Wear Valley District Council currently employs 11 street wardens and another three will start work within the next few weeks.

Anyone wanting to contact the street wardens should telephone the Street Warden Supervisors Debbie Hibbitts and John Bevils on: 01388 761960 or 01388 761961.

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