Body cameras in use: public transport
Train attendants and security personnel in public transport are increasingly confronted with difficult situations. Body cameras are becoming more and more popular as a way to increase employee safety and defuse conflicts early on.
The objectives of using body cameras in public transport
The use of body cameras in public transport primarily serves to protect train staff and de-escalate conflict situations. The NetCo Body-Cam Pro enables this with its front display. The visible presence of the camera and the activation of the front display with an announcement of possible recording acts as a deterrent and reduces assaults. At the same time, the body camera objectively documents the events and thus contributes to the investigation of incidents. The recorded evidence is legally admissible and can support the work of law enforcement agencies.
The figures are clear: over 75,000 violent incidents on the railways alone since 2022, and the trend is rising (source: German Bundestag, 2023–2025). For train attendants, passengers and security personnel, this means more risk, more stress and more uncertainty. Deutsche Bahn, for example, tested NetCo body cameras in 2017 and is now using them nationwide. They are being used on everything from regional trains to long-distance services. The goals are clear:
- De-escalating conflict situations
- Secure recorded incidents as evidence
- Greater safety for train attendants, security personnel and passengers
What are the advantages of body cameras for train staff?
Train staff report that the visible body camera with front display acts as a psychological mirror. Aggressors see themselves in it and can thus reflect on their behaviour. In many cases, this prevents further escalation. Thus, with a body camera with a display, de-escalation often begins even before recording starts. If the conflict situation does not calm down despite the screen being switched on, a short announcement ("Recording will now begin.") usually helps to defuse the conflict once and for all.
In practice, the NetCo body cam achieves a de-escalation rate of up to 75% simply by activating the front display. The result: fewer physical assaults on train attendants, less verbal escalation, more support in contentious incidents on trains, buses, platforms and at stations.
In this way, body cameras make everyday work easier for conductors and security personnel, not only by making them feel safer, but also by actually making them safer.
De-escalation
only by activating the display
Typical application scenarios in local transport
Body cameras have a wide range of uses in public transport. Typical scenarios are situations in which conflicts can quickly arise:
- Ticket inspections: Verbal altercations in the event of missing or invalid tickets
- Sporting events: fan groups on their way to games or intoxicated passengers after major events
- Rush hour: stress when boarding and alighting, overcrowded trains and crowds on platforms
- Night and weekend traffic: Increased potential for aggression due to alcohol and late hours
Recording such incidents serves as evidence and for analysis for future operations in transport services.
Public perception: How do passengers react?
Public perception of body camera use is overwhelmingly positive. Most passengers welcome the protection afforded to train staff and the increased transparency. Those who behave correctly have nothing to fear. The presence of cameras gives many people a feeling of security.
It is important that transport companies are open about their use of body cameras. The NetCo Body-Cam alleviates concerns as it is the only body camera manufactured in Germany. This guarantees German data protection standards: storage on German servers, end-to-end encryption, role-based access rights and deletion periods.
De-escalation with the body cam: Voices of passengers and train attendants
„Seitdem ich die Kamera habe, ist es ein himmelweiter Unterschied... Der Respekt ist mit Kamera deutlich höher als ohne."
– M. Wilk, train attendant –
"I don't just have my own eyes, someone else is watching too. And in case of doubt ... you can refer back to the footage."
– Andreas Bialas, train attendant –
"I'm also being filmed by surveillance cameras here. That's why I don't think it makes much difference."
– Tram Nguyen, passenger –
Why does the EVG support the use of body cameras?
The EVG (railway and transport union) clearly supports the use of body cameras in rail transport. The central local transport group, together with the DB Regio works council, fought for their introduction. With success: body cameras are now officially in use. According to an EVG survey, 88 per cent of employees are in favour of the technology.
The union's position is clear: "In regions where body cameras are already in use, there has been a sharp decline in assaults. This proves that body cameras fulfil their purpose in terms of 'safety on the road'."
This union support shows that body cameras are not seen as a surveillance tool, but as a protective measure for employees.
NetCo Body-Cam Pro: Technology that delivers benefits
NetCo body cameras are developed according to the principle of "utility before technology". So you have less paperwork, clear situational awareness and solid evidence.
Data protection & legal certainty
Data protection plays a central role in the use of body cameras. The NetCo Suite ensures GDPR-compliant recording, management and archiving of all recordings.
Encryption begins during recording, not just during upload. Each individual frame contains an identification stamp with a serial number, date, time and user ID. This makes all recordings tamper-proof and admissible in court.
A role-based rights concept ensures that only authorised persons can access recordings. Automatic deletion routines with definable retention periods ensure GDPR-compliant data deletion. Complete activity logs document every access for internal audits and revisions. This ensures seamless preservation of evidence from deployment to archiving.
The server location, development and support from Germany mean you have full control over your data.
Everything about NetCo SuiteGuide to body cameras in public transport: practical experience instead of theory
To ensure you are fully prepared, NetCo has developed a body camera practical guide on de-escalation and data protection. To receive it, simply subscribe to our free newsletter. Here's what you can expect in the newsletter:
- Relevant insights instead of information overload
- Proven strategies from market leaders
- Success stories with concrete figures
The easy way to use
With the NetCo Body Cam, you can rely on:
- Clear status signals through haptic, acoustic and visual feedback
- Long battery life for more than one shift without charging
- Simple operating concept thanks to large button and noticeable feedback
- German contact person with support available to assist you at any time
- Data security through end-to-end encryption, signatures, tamper-proof storage and server location in Germany.
- Process clarity through role and rights concept, audit-proof logging and defined deletion rules from recording to archiving.
- Integration & training for quick introduction into operational workflows
- Guides and information material on all topics related to the NetCo Body-Cam Pro