Body Cam Plan For Threatened And Abused Rangers

Team ‘flashed At, Chased And Threatened With Mallet’

- Daniel Clark

Dartmoor Rangers have been verbally abused, ‘flashed’ at, and threatened with a mallet and chased, a shocking new report reveals.

While the incidents in which the park employees have suffered are rare, even one such incident is unacceptable, as Dartmoor National Park Authority has a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of its staff.

As a result, Authority members, when they meet on Friday, are recommended to approve the introduction of body worn cameras for Dartmoor’s staff.

The primary aim of the proposed pilot, which is set to run for two years, is to assess whether body worn cameras will help address incidents of verbal and physical abuse - although a secondary aim is to assess their usefulness in situations where we need to enforce existing laws through legal action.

Neil White , Head of Organisational Development, in his report, says that the Lake District National Park Authority already uses body worn cameras for the Rangers who patrol the lakes and it has had a positive impact with greater respect for their staff.