Trial of bodycams for boas

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The special investigating officers (boa's) of the municipality of Nuenen will wear a bodycam from November 19 to December 18, as a trial. The main purpose of the trial is to increase the boa's sense of security and thus ensure that they can do their job better and more safely.

Rise in aggression and violence against law enforcement officers

In recent years - and certainly in recent months - there has been an increase in aggression and violence against employees with public duties, such as municipal enforcers. The boas in Nuenen also sometimes have to deal with aggression while enforcing on the street, which makes them feel unsafe. This is undesirable and unacceptable, because our enforcers must be able to do their work safely. To protect them and increase their sense of safety, we are starting a pilot with bodycams. Previous pilots at other municipalities and the police were positive and indeed provided a safer working environment for the enforcers.

Joint pilot

In addition to Nuenen, neighboring municipalities Geldrop-Mierlo and Son en Breugel will also start the trial on Nov. 19. The police officers in these municipalities will also wear a bodycam. After the pilot, the experiences will be shared and evaluated. It will then be decided whether the bodycam will be used structurally.

Operating procedure bodycam

A bodycam is a small, portable video camera that attaches and is highly visible on the boa's clothing. The bodycam is not on by default, but as soon as a situation threatens to get out of hand, the officer can turn the camera on. The recordings made with the bodycam are encrypted and therefore cannot be viewed just like that, for example if a bodycam were stolen. The images can also be used for training purposes and as evidence by police and prosecutors.
 

Frequently asked questions and answers about use of bodycams

Can I be filmed?

Yes, in publicly accessible areas, you may be filmed by a boa with a bodycam. 

What does municipality of Nuenen do with the recordings?

The municipality of Nuenen views the footage only if there is a request to do so. This request may come from the person who was filmed or from the police. The footage can be used to track down offenders or as evidence in criminal proceedings. In addition, the recordings can be used for training purposes and complaint handling.  

How long are recordings retained?

After 28 days, recordings for which no readout request has been received are deleted. Bodycam recordings for which it is immediately clear that they are unusable (e.g. only air, no audio) are deleted immediately. When a readout request is received, recordings are stored temporarily. Recordings that are no longer necessary for the purpose for which they were collected or are being processed will be destroyed as soon as possible thereafter. 

How can I view the recordings?

If you have been filmed by an officer of the municipality of Nuenen, you can request a readout by mail or email.

A request by mail can be sent to boa@nuenen.nl.

A written request can be sent to:
Municipality of Nuenen
Development and Enforcement Department/cluster THOV
Jan van Schijnveltlaan 2
5671 CK Nuenen

In the letter, put your name, address, phone number or e-mail address and state why you want to view the recording. Also include where, on what day and at what time the recording was made. If the readout request is approved, an appointment will be made with you to view the footage. Images are never sent to you.