New bodycams for Middleton door staff

Councillor Janet Emsley and Councillor Donna Williams with members of Middleton pub watch, the council's community safety team, Middleton township and GMP

Door staff working at venues in Middleton town centre will wear body cameras to help cut down on alcohol-related crime and antisocial behaviour.

Staff at town centre premises have been kitted out with the body cameras as part of a trial which begins this month.

The trial initiative is being led by Rochdale Borough Council’s community safety team and Middleton township in partnership with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Middleton Pubwatch.

The state-of-the-art cameras, supplied by local company Wireless CCTV, will record footage and audio evidence of public order incidents which can be used by police to secure arrests, charges and convictions.

It is hoped the cameras will also act as a deterrent to anyone likely to become involved in disorder.

Martine Rathmill, chair of Middleton Pubwatch, said: “We’re really pleased that this bodycam trial is taking place in Middleton. This initiative will help licensees, staff and customers to be safe and provides us with reassurance that action can be taken if incidents take place.”

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for neighbourhood, community and culture at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “It’s important that residents and visitors feel safe when socialising in our borough. We hope this technology will help provide an extra level of security which will prevent issues arising and will hold those people who cause problems responsible for their actions.”

Footage from the cameras is securely uploaded to a storage system which can be accessed by authorised people such as CCTV control room staff and police.

As well as the body cameras, staff and volunteers are fully trained to ensure they know how to respond appropriately and safely to incidents of antisocial behaviour, alcohol, drugs and domestic violence on the streets.