German Rail to Equip Station Staff with Body Cameras Amid Rising Attacks

Deutsche Bahn is expanding its use of body cameras to include station staff, aiming to improve safety and reduce conflict. Around 2,700 employees in station services and support roles will have the option to voluntarily wear the devices, with initial deployments at major stations in Frankfurt and Bielefeld.

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Our employees should be better protected: For this, they can now also access a bodycam as part of their personal protective equipment.

This initiative follows the successful implementation of bodycams for train personnel in both regional and long-distance services. The company reported that approximately 2,000 long-distance staff, including conductors and catering personnel, are now equipped. Previously, around 1,400 bodycams were in use for regional train conductors.

The decision to equip more staff stems from a significant rise in assaults. In the first half of the year, Deutsche Bahn recorded 989 incidents in regional transport, a 14% increase compared to the same period last year. These included 781 cases of simple assault and 185 of attempted assault, with 22 employees suffering severe injuries. A fatal attack on a conductor in February underscored the urgency of the situation.

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Bodycams help ensure that travelers and employees alike feel safe on long-distance trains.

Station staff have also faced attacks, with 50 incidents reported. The bodycams, worn on outerwear, can be activated with the press of a button during dangerous situations. Deutsche Bahn hopes the cameras will not only serve as a deterrent and aid in evidence collection but also de-escalate confrontations, contributing to a safer environment for both passengers and employees.

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Bodycams contribute to ensuring that travelers and employees alike feel safe on long-distance trains.