German Rail equips 2,000 staff with body cameras to boost safety

Deutsche Bahn is rolling out body cameras to enhance the safety of its employees, particularly those in customer-facing roles on long-distance trains. Approximately 2,000 staff members, including train attendants, onboard catering personnel, and those in DB lounges, will be equipped with the cameras, which attach to their uniforms.

This initiative follows a fatal attack on a train conductor in February, which prompted Bahn CEO Evelyn Palla to promise increased safety measures. The deployment of body cameras is intended to have a preventive effect, reducing and deterring acts of violence against staff, as well as securing evidence in case incidents occur. The company emphasized that the use of these cameras remains voluntary for employees.

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Bodycams would contribute to passengers and employees alike feeling safe on long-distance trains.

The introduction of body cameras in long-distance services expands a program previously limited to regional transport staff. Deutsche Bahn stated that the cameras contribute to a greater sense of security for both passengers and employees.

Privacy advocates have called for clear regulations regarding the use of body camera data. Alexander Roßnagel, the state data protection commissioner for Hesse, stressed that data should only be utilized in justified cases and that passengers must be informed when they are being filmed. Beyond body cameras, Deutsche Bahn's comprehensive safety action plan includes hiring 200 additional security personnel and enhancing an existing "panic button" system that allows employees to discreetly alert a control center in emergencies.

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The data may only be used in justified cases, and all passengers must be informed when they are being filmed.