Queries over the use of Body Worn Cameras

Queries have been posed to operators London Stadium 185 after it emerged that a season ticket holder has been banned for persistent swearing this week after video and audio were recorded of him at the Spurs evening match.

Stadium operators have deployed 48 Body-Worn Cameras and they claim “they are worn by response team leaders and are switched on when they are deployed to a response situation” adding that “Signs are in place at the stadium” to warn supporters they could be recorded.

The use of body-worn cameras at Premier League matches is still in its infancy and therefore guidance and best practise is limited.

In response to a query from the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) about the use of body-worn cameras in football, the Surveillance Camera Commissioner replied that ‘If the Body Worn cameras are used as a surveillance camera. Signage should be in place indicating that they are in use, including the details of the data controller to whom enquiries can be made’

He continued:“The use of continuous video and audio recording could be considered disproportionate and could put the operator/data controller in breach of the Data Protection Act.

There are parallels with the use of video and audio in taxis where the use of such devices have been, in certain circumstances, deemed disproportionate.

It is recognised that the threshold for using audio recording must be very high to justify its usage. In most instances, the cameras and audio should only be switched on if an incidence takes place and not on record at all times.”

In the case of the season ticket holder banned this week it appears he was being monitored possibly covertly after complaints were received from fellow supporters about his constant swearing during the Swansea match.

The question remains why he wasn’t warned before the Spurs game and whether the threshold was high enough to justify his surveillance. It is possible this case may be tested in the courts or possibly investigated by the Information Commissioners Office.

ClaretandHugh asked operators London Stadium 185  ten questions about the use of body-worn cameras back in April but have yet to receive a comprehensive reply.

The club claims this is an exceptional case but refused to go into details for reasons of confidentiality claiming supporters are not routinely banned for swearing.  There are always two sides to a story it is true.

The London Stadium ground regulations do say that: “The use of threatening behaviour, foul or abusive language is strictly forbidden and will result in arrest and/or ejection from London Stadium. The Club and the Operator may impose a ban for one or more Matches”

Further that ‘CCTV cameras are in use around and in the Ground. Body worn video cameras recording video and/or audio may also be used as appropriate, for example to record prohibited behaviours as referenced in paragraphs 9 and 10. The Operator may itself use or pass to the police or any Football Authority or other clubs, any recordings for use in any proceedings.’