Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) firefighters are now using state-of-the-art technology to help keep the county safer, with the rollout of 160 new Axon body-worn camera devices in stations across Norfolk.
Each of the service’s fire appliances and operational officers have been kitted out with a camera for use at incidents, and they have also been issued to protection and prevention officers for business safety inspections and home visits, as well as fire investigation officers and the service’s training school. Trading Standards officers have also been equipped with ten cameras for use in investigations.
The devices have been provided by Axon, the public safety technology leader, and are equipped with live streaming capabilities, location data and two-way communication. All of this enables firefighters and officers to be able to stream footage to control room staff taking emergency 999 calls while an incident is ongoing, and ensures quicker, more informed decision-making during complex fire incidents.
Live streaming also improves fire personnel safety by identifying risks earlier and supporting better coordination with police, ambulance and other partners to ensure resources are deployed at the right time to save lives.
The cameras were rolled out across the service in December, with nearly 100 hours of footage from over 500 video clips already having been stored.
Scott Norman, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, said: “We’re keen to utilise technology wherever we can to keep the people of Norfolk safe, and these body-worn cameras are a great demonstration of that.
“The devices will be brought in to support firefighters at all of our stations in Norfolk, helping us with learning at incidents, providing evidence for fire investigations, and enhancing the safety of our staff. Our teams have already said they’re benefiting from the technology, so I’m sure this will be a major boost for how our service operates, and for the communities we serve.”
Cllr Margaret Dewsbury, Norfolk County Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: “I am really pleased NFRS and Trading Standards have taken this step to use body-worn cameras. This new technology will enhance the fantastic work already undertaken by the services, offering multiple benefits to keep staff and Norfolk’s communities safe.”
The Axon Body 4 cameras, the latest in their high-performance line, have been introduced to enhance both fire personnel and public safety across Norfolk.
The technology supports transparency, learning, and post-incident review, helping to strengthen public trust in fire and rescue services. Footage will also support training and development, as well as helping to enhance the safety of fire staff during incidents, home safety visits and business safety inspections.
This is Axon’s second-largest deployment of body-worn cameras with a UK fire and rescue service, following West Yorkshire. Axon already works with eight different UK fire services to roll out body-worn cameras in their daily operations, with 55% of UK police forces also using the tech.
Alex Lowe, Senior Director for UK and Ireland at Axon, said: “We’re delighted that Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service is adopting our cutting-edge body-worn camera technology. Our cameras have been invaluable for first responders, and we’re excited to see them play an important role in ensuring fire personnel safety and enhancing public trust in Norfolk.”
