Op-Ed: Passengers are in favor of body-worn cameras

In today’s environment, we're conditioned to assume our interactions are being recorded. Whether riding the train to work, pumping gas, shopping at the grocery store or even strolling around the neighborhood, chances are a camera is recording somewhere. And it turns out, Americans don't mind. 

At HALOS, we recently partnered with YouGov to survey consumers about their perceptions of body-worn cameras in everyday settings—from transportation hubs and retail environments, to sporting venues and office buildings.  

The results tell a clear story: The public’s mindset around surveillance is changing.  

Americans want more eyes on the scene  

More than 70 percent of respondents said they are either comfortable with—or indifferent about—the growing presence of body-worn cameras in public spaces.  

For transit agencies, this comfort level opens the door to broader acceptance of technology that supports safety and accountability. Riders have come to expect security cameras in stations and on vehicles. Now, bodycams on transit staff are seen as a natural extension of that same transparency. 

A visible deterrent to disruptive behavior 

The survey found 62% of respondents believe bodycams help deter unfavorable behavior such as aggression toward employees or other passengers. That deterrent effect makes a big difference at a time when transit systems nationwide have faced increases in disruptive incidents since the pandemic, ranging from fare disputes to verbal and physical assaults.  

I noted in a previous Mass Transit magazine article that transit crime has become a top concern in major U.S. cities, including New York City and Philadelphia, putting pressure on government officials and legislators to take action. In many of those situations, the presence of a camera alone can be enough to de-escalate tension before it turns into a confrontation. 

This mirrors what we’ve seen in recent customer deployments. Agencies that equip frontline workers (fare inspectors, conductors, bus operators and security personnel) with body-worn cameras often report nearly immediate behavioral improvements. Riders and others in the vicinity tend to think twice before acting out when they know the interaction is being recorded. 

Accountability and confidence  
Almost half (44%) of survey respondents said they would reconsider their own behavior if they knew staff were wearing a bodycam in a given setting. That’s an important insight noting the influence on both sides of an encounter.  

In other words, bodycams don’t just protect staff—they promote a culture of accountability across the entire transit system. Passengers recognize that cameras encourage professionalism, fairness and accurate reporting. Employees understand that their actions are also documented, reinforcing best practices in customer engagement and conflict resolution. 

While bodycam deployment conversations often center around compliance—recording incidents for evidence or meeting regulatory requirements—the real value extends beyond documentation. These devices are powerful tools for confidence. For riders, they provide visible reassurance that the agency takes safety seriously. For employees, bodycams create a record that can protect them from false accusations and support training and performance improvement. For transit agencies, they offer data-driven insights that can inform policy, identify risk patterns and enhance service quality. 

A call to action for transit leaders 

The majority of the public is ready to embrace body-worn cameras as part of a modern, secure transit experience. As agencies plan for the future—balancing operational costs, staff well-being and rider satisfaction—the findings of this survey offer a clear takeaway: public sentiment is on your side. Passengers are increasingly open to bodycams because they view them as tools that foster civility and safety. 

Body-worn cameras can change the tone of daily interactions and reduce the frequency of issues in public transit settings. They remind us that accountability works both ways. Passengers and staff alike often show up differently when they know they're being recorded. Ultimately, this helps create safer, more secure transit environments for everyone.  

The public is on board. Are you?