Is your team ready for body worn video?

This article was written by Laura Anne Smith and first appeared in the Summer 2023 edition of Enforcement News

In summer 2023, it is likely that the Government will run a consultation relating to making body worn video (BWV) compulsory for all enforcement agents, whether employed privately or by a local authority.

This is a move widely supported by the industry, including both CIVEA (the Civil Enforcement Association) and the HCEOA (High Court Enforcement Officers Association).

Under the proposal, BWV will be worn by all enforcement agents when undertaking the Schedule 12 procedure to take control of goods whatever the debt stream.

BWV protects everyone involved and is vital for investigating complaints and reducing inappropriate behaviour by any party. BWV provides irrefutable evidence of what was said and done.

The benefits of using BWV include:

• Modifies the behaviour of the enforcement agent, the debtor and any present third party
• Provides a level of deterrent protection for enforcement agents
• Ensures adherence to legislative requirements
• Collects irrefutable evidence of what has taken place during the enforcement visit
• Minimises the volume of vexatious and spurious complaints against enforcement agents
• Provides valuable learning material of best and worst practice

To support the use of BWV, Excel Civil Enforcement and High Court Enforcement Group developed a Level 2 qualification covering the use of BWV, which is endorsed by CILEx (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) and designed for enforcement agents, public organisations and local authorities.

This course gives delegates the underpinning knowledge in the correct use of BWV in line with current legislation, best practice and National Standards. The Level 2 award incorporates:

• Human Rights Act 1998
• Equality Act 2010
• UK General Data Protection Regulation & the Data Protection Act 2018
• Freedom of Information Act 2000
• Surveillance Camera Code of Practice issued under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
• Taking Control of Goods: National Standards 2014
• The Civil Enforcement Association Code of Practice 2019

If you would like to learn more about training your team, please get in contact.