New body-worn cameras are being rolled out by North Kesteven District Council to help protect officers carrying out licensing compliance checks and improve the recording of incidents and inspections.

The move comes after some council staff experienced aggressive and confrontational behaviour while carrying out routine visits to licensed premises.

The cameras will be used during licensing compliance inspections, complaints and incident responses, helping to provide a clear visual and audio record when required.

Council leaders say the technology is designed to protect both officers and members of the public, while also acting as a deterrent to abusive or threatening behaviour.

NKDC licensing staff are to get body cameras like this one.

placeholder image — NKDC licensing staff are to get body cameras like this one.

The introduction of the cameras was discussed by North Kesteven District Council's Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Committee at a meeting on June 10, where the proposal received full support.

A report presented to councillors noted that most low-level compliance issues are usually resolved quickly and within agreed timescales.

However, more serious breaches of the Licensing Act 2003 have recently been identified, including premises failing to meet licence conditions or not having required CCTV systems in place.

Councillor Mark Smith, whose executive responsibilities include public protection, welcomed the introduction of the cameras.

"The Council will utilise the body worn video cameras to protect colleagues and members of the public, and to discourage the aggressive, abusive and confrontational behaviour that our officers have been subjected to," he said.

"The cameras will also provide evidence when investigating or attending complaints, incidents and inspections, but I'd like to reassure people that once compliance is achieved or where no issues are identified, footage will be deleted.

"This is great news and will help ensure that our officers are safer when conducting visits and that, when required, we have comprehensive evidence to support investigations."

The council stressed that footage will not be retained unnecessarily. Recordings will only be kept where required for compliance or enforcement purposes and will be deleted when no longer needed.

The use of body-worn cameras is becoming increasingly common among local authorities and enforcement teams across the country, providing transparency and helping to ensure an accurate record of interactions during official visits.

North Kesteven District Council says the move is part of its ongoing commitment to staff safety and effective regulation of licensed premises across the district.