Firefighters wearing cameras after spike in abuse

Firefighters are starting to wear body cameras after a sharp rise in abuse towards staff was recorded.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has launched a trial in Stevenage and Hemel Hempstead, with plans to roll it out county-wide next year.

The service has seen an 83% rise in reports of abuse directed at firefighters and support staff.

Chief Fire Officer Alex Woodman said: "Stop and think. The people you are abusing today could be the ones pulling you from your burning home tomorrow."

He added: "The safety and wellbeing of our firefighters and support staff is our highest priority.

"The introduction of body-worn cameras is a positive step to protect them from harassment and abuse, which is sadly on the rise and completely unacceptable."

Between April 2024 and March 2025, the service recorded 22 instances of abuse, up from 12 incidents during the previous 12 months.

The development in Hertfordshire follows recommendations from the National Fire Chiefs Council, after an increase in abuse against crews nationally.

Following the Manchester Arena Inquiry, emergency services are also under pressure to capture footage that can reveal decision-making and be used as evidence.

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