Firefighters in Hertfordshire are beginning to wear body-worn cameras as part of a new trial aimed at tackling a worrying rise in abuse directed at emergency service staff.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has launched the trial after recording a sharp increase in incidents involving verbal and physical abuse towards crews while carrying out their duties.

Figures released by the service show there were 22 reported incidents of abuse or violence between April 2024 and March 2025, compared with 12 the previous year – an increase of more than 80 per cent.

As part of the trial, cameras are being used by crews at Stevenage Fire Station, which regularly serves Hitchin and surrounding North Herts communities, as well as at Hemel Hempstead. Body-worn cameras are also being trialled by Prevention Officers and the Business Fire Safety Team when visiting homes and businesses.

The cameras are intended to help deter unacceptable behaviour, provide evidence if incidents occur, and support learning and review following challenging situations.

Chief Fire Officer Alex Woodman said abuse towards firefighters is completely unacceptable. "Our firefighters and staff are there to help people at some of the most difficult moments of their lives," he said. "No one should be subjected to abuse or violence while carrying out their role to keep the public safe."

Footage will only be recorded in specific situations and in line with strict data protection rules. If the trial proves successful, the fire service plans to roll out body-worn cameras across all Hertfordshire fire stations by early 2026.

The move follows national guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council, which has highlighted increasing levels of abuse towards fire crews across the country.

Local residents are being reminded that firefighters responding to incidents in and around Hitchin are doing so to protect lives and property – and deserve to be treated with respect while they work.