NS Evaluating Expansion of Body Cameras Among Staff after Successful Pilot Project

NS is currently in the process of evaluating whether or not to implement body cameras on a larger scale among its staff within the next two months. Earlier this year, the railway company initiated a pilot project where select employees were equipped with body cameras that could be activated in 'difficult situations'.

As of January 15, NS commenced testing bodycams. In this trial phase, 120 chief conductors and service employees were provided with bodycams that record both video and audio once activated. This footage is intended to be valuable in situations where there are no witnesses to an incident, supplementing the cameras already worn by 700 security personnel since 2018.

In a letter addressed to the House of Representatives, outgoing State Secretary Heijnen informed that NS plans to conclude the pilot project within the agreed two-month timeframe. Despite the PVV's request to prematurely terminate the trial and immediately expand the use of bodycams, NS will wait until the end of the trial period to make a decision.

NS aims to allow ample time for its staff to adapt to the technology and acquire the necessary expertise in handling body cameras appropriately. Mishandling of body cameras can potentially escalate certain situations, underscoring the importance of a cautious approach. Moreover, outfitting 3700 employees with body cameras represents a significant financial investment for the company.