Bakers Basco is a UK-based company established in 2006 as a joint venture by five of the nation’s leading plant bakeries: Allied Bakeries, Hovis, Fine Lady Bakeries, Frank Roberts & Sons, and Warburtons. Bakers Basco Ltd recognized the need to enhance its technological capabilities to improve the safety of its investigation team and strengthen evidence collection during legal proceedings against those unlawfully using, stealing, or damaging its equipment. The company implemented body-worn cameras as part of a broader strategy to support surveillance and ensure its investigations stand up in court.
Addressing Recurring Challenges
Previously, Bakers Basco relied on body cameras that lacked a photo function and had limited battery life. This posed significant challenges in evidence collection and health and safety concerns. To overcome these limitations, the company sought a lightweight, durable, hands-free recording solution that would deter hostility and counterclaims during investigations. The Partner MK4 body cameras provided the ideal solution, offering high-quality recording, a 15-hour battery life, and GDPR-compliant, fully encrypted footage managed through The Partner MK4 body camera DEMS system.
Objectives in Implementing Body Cameras
The primary goals of integrating The Partner MK4 body cameras included:
- Enhancing the safety of employees during investigations.
- Capturing clear, undeniable evidence to avoid counterclaims.
- Providing officers with the best tools to document incidents effectively.
Bakers Basco officers wear body-worn cameras daily using the provided harness. The key functions of these cameras include:
- Uploading footage to SharePoint for secure storage and review.
- Reviewing recorded footage to improve investigative techniques and team training.
- Utilizing the built-in photo function, a significant upgrade from the previous camera model.
Seamless Integration into Standard Operating Procedures
Since Bakers Basco had prior experience using body-worn cameras, integrating the new devices into its SOPs was straightforward. With training provided by the Interconnective team, officers quickly adapted to the new system, ensuring a smooth transition.
The Partner MK4 cameras have proven invaluable in several scenarios, including:
- Capturing photographic evidence of unauthorized use of Bakers Basco equipment.
- Utilizing infrared night vision to gather evidence in low-light conditions.
- Extending operational efficiency with a significantly improved 12-hour recording time, allowing officers to cover multiple locations in a single day without battery concerns.
During the decision-making process, Bakers Basco prioritized several standout features of The Partner MK4 body camera:
- Encryption Security: Ensuring footage remains secure and is only accessible via the body camera DEMS software, maintaining GDPR compliance.
- Superior Video Quality: High-resolution recordings that clearly document incidents and prevent misuse claims.
- Tamper Resistance: A robust design that ensures durability and integrity of recorded evidence in the field.
Since adopting The Partner MK4 body cameras, Bakers Basco has observed multiple benefits, including:
- Increased accountability within the team, with clear documentation of unauthorized equipment use.
- Enhanced decision-making processes through video and photo evidence.
- Reduction in manual administrative tasks, as officers rely on footage rather than writing lengthy reports.
Team Feedback
The introduction of The Partner MK4 body cameras has been well received by Bakers Basco’s team. Officers report feeling more confident, knowing that every visit is documented with secure, high-quality footage. Additionally, the reduction in administrative workload has allowed them to focus on core responsibilities more effectively.
“The Partner MK4 Body Camera has significantly improved our evidence-gathering capabilities when dealing with theft or unlawful use of Bakers Basco equipment. The ability to easily access and review footage has helped our team refine how evidence is captured, ensuring confidence in its use for litigation. Its robust design and recording light provide reassurance that footage is being properly recorded.”
