Hertfordshire Fire Service Hits Back at Rising Crew Abuse with Body Cams
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is tackling a sharp rise in attacks on its crews with a bold new trial of body-worn cameras. Violent abuse against firefighters and support staff has soared by 83% in just one year, sparking urgent action.
Violence Against Firefighters Skyrockets
Between April 2024 and March 2025, authorities logged 22 attacks on firefighters – nearly double the 12 incidents from the previous year. The reports include both verbal and physical assaults, highlighting an alarming and dangerous trend.
Body Cameras Deployed to Protect Crews
From now on, firefighters at Hemel Hempstead and Stevenage stations will don body cams, along with prevention officers and the countywide business fire safety team. Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue aims to roll out the devices across all stations by early 2026.
These aren’t just gadgets for show. The cameras will act as a deterrent, provide crucial evidence for investigations, aid post-incident reviews, and enhance training by capturing how decisions are made in emergencies.
“The safety and well-being of our firefighters and support staff is our highest priority. The introduction of body-worn cameras is a positive step to protect them from harassment and abuse, which is sadly on the rise and completely unacceptable.”“Stop and think. The people you are abusing today could be the ones pulling you from your burning home tomorrow. This equipment will help us improve safety, strengthen operational response and support investigations, ensuring we continue to deliver the best possible service to our communities.”— Alex Woodman, Chief Fire Officer, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
Following National Guidance and Hard Lessons
The crackdown follows advice from the National Fire Chiefs Council amid a national upswing in attacks on fire crews. It also draws lessons from the Manchester Arena Inquiry, which highlighted the need for bodycam footage to aid investigations and understand critical incident decisions.
