Head-cam fights football hooligans

British Transport Police (BTP) is using a head-mounted camera to record evidence of incidents at sporting events. The unit enables officers to work hands free and was deployed for the first time over the bank holiday weekend at festivals and sporting events in the North West where thousands of extra passengers were using the rail network.

Commenting on the new system Superintendent Graham Bamford said: “The new head-camera is another excellent tool which will be particularly impactive when policing large crowds, especially those travelling to and from football matches. If people know we are watching and recording them, they will hopefully think twice about their behaviour. The policing of football matches and events are a major part of our role at British Transport Police and our officers have real expertise in this area.

“We will not tolerate football-related disorder in any form on the rail network. We hope the high visibility of officers and the introduction of new equipment such as the head-camera will deter and disrupt trouble makers, ensuring the majority of law-abiding fans, and people who use the rail network, can enjoy trouble-free journeys.”

British Transport Police officers are responsible for policing more than 2,000 football matches every season. Last season 60 people were arrested for football-related incidents in the North West. In recent seasons the BTP have secured 13 football banning orders across the region.