Body cameras for Fylde Council enforcement officers could follow beach attack

A male warden was left bruised after being hit in the face in the incident in the seasonal dog exclusion zone on Friday, May 29 and the two men involved are still being sought by police.

Fylde Council says it had already been looking in to the use of ‘body-cams’, but the attack has caused them to ‘fast-track’ the risk assessments required and the matter was up for consideration at this week’s virtual meeting of the council’s operational management committee.

The council says the Covid-19 lockdown measures caused a delay in some of the necessary risk assessment measures required.

The final requirements in terms of data use and notification that body cams will be in operation have already been addressed and are currently being consulted on, but the lockdown meant in a delay in a planned pilot scheme.

With the recent relaxation of some lockdown measures, the council says there has been a greater need for advice, support and enforcement in the community and an increase in incidents which it feels would have been less confrontational if body cams had been deployed to reassure employees and the public.

Coun Roger Small, chairman of the operational management committee, said: “Following the unprovoked assault on our dog warden, we have moved quickly to look to introduce body cams for our staff who may come into contact with the public in challenging circumstances.

“We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and will actively prosecute persons engaged in illegal activities. This will aid our staff going about their roles.”

A Lancashire Police spokesman said the incident, around 9.30am on May 29, remains under investigation.

Anyone who can help is asked to call the council on 01253 658658, email [email protected] or call police on 101 quoting reference LC 20200529-0404.