Camera Earpieces Used to Cut Back Antisocial Behaviour in Newcastle Pubs

Tuesday February 24, 2009

Pocket-sized cameras worn as earpieces are being used by security staff at Newcastle pubs and clubs to deter violence and other antisocial behaviour.

An eWitness technology, the cameras that are being used in Newcastle have visual and audio recording. It is fitted to the ear with microphones on the shirt and a digital video recorder attached to the belt and is able to capture and incident should it occur to enforce the law.

"We've found particularly on the front door, which is where most of our problems were occurring, people come in already loaded up [with alcohol] from home or have maybe got another substance on them, we can deal with them at the door, they know it's being recorded," Sydney Junction Hotel owner Paul Norberry said in a report in the Newcastle Herald.

"They think twice about what they do – often they walk away. It also cuts out a lot of assaults on doormen."

Newcastle City Police licensing supervisor Sergeant Wayne Buck is another who believes the technology is an asset.
"We're supportive of anything to reduce the amount of confrontation and violence in hotels," Sergeant Buck told the Newcastle Herald.

While police advocate its use, others believe it threatens privacy and are concerned about the way it could be used and stored.

NSW Council of Civil Liberties president Cameron Murphy told the Newcastle Herald that:
"I'm very concerned about the proliferation of these devices," because he believes that people's right to privacy could be interfered with.

It is claimed that places other than Newcastle are using the cameras to reduce conflicts, and presently Queensland police are testing the earpieces.

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