According to BIFA, security officers at the Port of Felixstowe started wearing body-worn cameras during searches from Monday 17th August, as part of measures designed to improve safety and provide a clearer record of security interactions.

Body-worn cameras have become increasingly common across the security industry and have been used by police forces, ports police and security teams at other UK ports for several years.

At Felixstowe, the cameras will be activated whenever a search is required. Security officers will inform drivers at the beginning of the process that a body-worn camera is being used and that the search will be recorded.

The footage is intended to protect both security officers and those being searched by providing an accurate record of what takes place. This can be particularly important where there are disputes over the conduct of a search, while also providing evidence if prohibited or illegal items are discovered.

Drivers entering areas covered by International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) requirements remain subject to searches under UK maritime security regulations. Anyone refusing to undergo a required search, including because they do not wish to be recorded, will be denied access to the ISPS restricted area. The incident will then be treated in the same way as any other refusal to be searched.

According to the BIFA report, recorded data will be stored in accordance with Information Commissioner guidance covering the retention of CCTV footage, with Mitie Security acting as custodian of the data.

For hauliers and drivers using Felixstowe, the change is therefore primarily an additional security and evidential measure, rather than a change to existing port search requirements.