In 2020, the NRW police equipped its officers across the board with bodycams, which are intended to have a de-escalating effect when on patrol. The COVID-19 pandemic has somewhat delayed the training of police officers in Lippe. In future, however, citizens will increasingly see officers wearing one of the small body cameras called "Axon Body 2". These are attached to the uniform at shoulder level and are about the size of a pack of cigarettes.
The cameras do not record continuously in order to protect the personal rights of citizens. There are strict legal requirements for switching on the bodycam. Before the officers activate the camera, they announce it to the respective police officer. When the camera is running, a clearly recognizable red light flashes. The recordings can then be used as evidence of police actions and those of other people. Evaluation is carried out exclusively by police managers. All other recordings are automatically deleted after 14 days.
So far, the conclusion of the Lippe officers has been positive. "Using the bodycams makes it easier to provide evidence in delicate operational situations," says First Chief Superintendent Dr. Matthias Wendtland, acting head of the Directorate of Emergency Response and Operations.