Rochdale town centre door staff to wear bodycams

Donna Fisher (KoKo), Chris Graham (Yates), Mark Foxley (Rochdale Town Centre Management), Mellisa Welsh (Yates), Councillor Janet Emsley (Rochdale Borough Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture), Angela Anderton (Greater Manchester Police), Sajjad Miah (Rochdale Borough Council), Rick Eckersley (Rochdale Borough Council)

Head door staff from the Pubwatch scheme have been kitted out with the body cameras following a small number of public order incidents during weekends.

The cameras will be used to record moving footage and audio evidence of public order incidents which can be used to secure arrests, charges and convictions.

It is hoped the cameras will also act as a deterrent to anyone likely to become involved in disorder.

Footage from the cameras will be securely uploaded to a storage system which can then be accessed by authorised persons such as the central CCTV room and the police.

The cameras are the latest in series of initiatives being run in the town centre to create a safer night time drinking environment for residents and visitors.

As well as the body cameras, staff and volunteers are fully-trained to ensure they know how to respond appropriately and safely to incidents of antisocial behaviour, alcohol, drugs and domestic violence on the streets.

Mark Foxley from Rochdale Town Centre Management, said: “The pub watch venues do a great job working in partnership with the council, police and street pastors to ensure a good and safe environment for town centre revellers to enjoy but we’ll always welcome initiatives that can build on that success.

"These body cameras will really help to keep staff and customers safe because any potential trouble can be caught and stopped early, before it escalates."

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “I am really pleased that our town centre has been given this extra level of security because our residents and visitors have the right to enjoy a good night out in a safe environment.

"I hope that this technology will help prevent any issues arising as well as serving as a warning to any potential wrongdoers.”

Rochdale Borough Council in partnership with Rochdale Town Centre Management and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) bid for a £5,000 grant from the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester to fund the initiative. 

The cameras have been supplied by local company Wireless CCTV.