Council officers to get body cameras to stop abuse

Council officers in Exeter are to be given body-worn cameras due to car parking confrontations and an increase in anti-social behaviour, a meeting has heard.

Exeter City Council used £15,000 in government money to buy the recording equipment after members of the executive committee heard they acted as a deterrent, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Councillors were told they would be tested by car park staff and the city's new community safety team in areas including housing, harbours and waterways.

Members heard Exeter was the last remaining council in Devon to introduce such cameras.

Council director Ian Collinson told them: "The cameras have been purchased to address growing levels of anti-social behaviour, particularly in the city centre."

Councillor Laura Wright said the cameras would have a positive impact.

"It's all part of the strategy to make the city a better place to be," she said.

"It is helping to protect a lot of people."

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