How West Midlands Trains is improving train security and loss prevention with HALOS Body Cameras.

Overview

West Midlands Trains operates a vital rail service connecting urban and rural areas across England's West Midlands region. With increasing concerns about staff safety and operational efficiency, the company sought an advanced body camera solution to enhance security, deter staff assaults, and improve situational awareness. The HALOS Body Camera solution provided the reliable, user-friendly tools they needed to address these challenges.

Problem

Ensuring the safety of employees and passengers was a growing challenge for West Midlands Trains. Staff assaults were on the rise, creating an urgent need for better protection. The company recognized that equipping staff with body cameras could be a game-changing deterrent and an effective tool for monitoring and addressing incidents.

However, their previous body camera solution presented several issues:

• Complexity: The system was difficult for staff to use, leading to frustration and reduced adoption.
• Lack of Support: Downtime and unresolved technical issues left employees without reliable tools during critical situations.
• Insufficient Storage: Limited storage capacity and no cloud-based functionality made accessing and managing video footage cumbersome and costly.

These challenges not only jeopardized the safety and well-being of employees but also hindered the company’s ability to respond proactively to incidents. Project Manager Katie Roberts recognized a need for a more effective and user-friendly solution to achieve their goals.

Solution

West Midlands Trains partnered with HALOS to implement a body camera system designed to meet their specific needs. From the start, HALOS stood out for its advanced functionality, affordability, and seamless deployment.

The intuitive design of HALOS Body Cameras immediately resolved the usability issues staff had faced with the previous system. With an easy-to-access activation button and real-time connectivity, employees found the cameras practical and efficient in the field.

Cloud-based storage through the HALOS Vault was another game-changer. Footage was automatically uploaded, securely stored, and accessible in real-time, ensuring evidence could be reviewed or shared instantly when needed. This feature eliminated storage limitations and the delays associated with manual uploads.

HALOS’ outstanding customer service also played a key role in the successful rollout. The team provided dedicated support, addressing technical concerns promptly and ensuring employees were confident using the technology

Results

Although the rollout is ongoing, early feedback indicates significant improvements:

• Decreased Assaults: The visible presence of body cameras has helped deter incidents, contributing to safer working conditions for staff.
• Improved Efficiency: Automatic uploads and cloud-based storage have streamlined evidence management and reduced administrative burdens.
• Enhanced Morale: Employees feel more confident and secure, knowing they have reliable tools to document and manage interactions.