How Bakers Basco’s Body Cams Are Supporting Investigations and Officer Safety

After an initial rollout across its field operations, Bakers Basco’s use of body-worn cameras, on more than 120,000 investigative visits, has become a proven asset in supporting its investigations team, helping to safeguard officers, streamline evidence collection and reinforce the company’s zero-tolerance stance on equipment misuse.

The use of The Partner MK4 body-worn cameras has now moved from trial to trusted tool. The technology has been embedded into daily operations following encouraging results in the field, results that have strengthened both the confidence and capability of the investigations team.

The body cams have proven their worth in several key ways. The ability to capture clear, encrypted footage and still images on the spot has transformed how Bakers Basco documents the unauthorised use of its reusable bread baskets and equipment. The photo function – previously unavailable in older models – has been especially valuable in recording decisive visual evidence that supports legal follow-ups.

“Initially, we wanted to test the technology in real-world situations,” explains Stacey Brown, national investigations manager at Bakers Basco. “What we found was that the cameras didn’t just help us collect better evidence, they changed the way our team approached investigations. They helped de-escalate tensions, backed up officer accounts and significantly reduced time spent on admin-heavy reporting.”

Field investigators often face long days across multiple sites. The 15-hour battery life of the MK4 means officers can cover more ground without worrying about power, while infrared night vision ensures that surveillance continues seamlessly even in poor lighting. These features have been particularly useful in early morning or late evening recovery operations when equipment misuse is often discovered.

The footage is stored securely and accessed via DEMS body camera software, keeping all data GDPR-compliant and tamper-resistant, while also providing a centralised platform for reviewing and refining investigation techniques.

The adoption of body cameras forms part of Bakers Basco’s wider commitment to protecting its staff. Alongside the MK4 rollout, the company recently equipped its team with protective body armour, following an increase in aggression faced by investigators during fieldwork. The combination of visible safety gear and recording equipment has created an additional deterrent against abuse while enhancing officer morale. “Our priority has always been safety and professionalism,” adds Brown. “The body cams have allowed our team to go into sometimes difficult situations with the assurance that they are protected, both physically and legally. We now have the tools to show exactly what happened, when, and how.”

Since the integration of the new body-worn cameras, Bakers Basco has reported improvements in operational efficiency, evidence integrity and officer confidence. With fewer disputes and stronger documentation, the investigations team can focus more time on recovery efforts and less on reactive administration.

For an industry where lost or misused equipment can lead to substantial costs, Bakers Basco’s commitment to using proven tech in the field reflects a practical, results-driven approach to asset protection, one that’s already paying dividends.