EVF to Roll Out Body Cameras Across all Stores

Ellan Vannin Fuels (EVF) has announced it will be introducing body cameras in all of its stores from later this week, following what it says was a highly successful trial at its 24-hour Peel Road garage and shop.

The decision follows a pilot scheme launched in December, with EVF saying the move is aimed at protecting staff and acting as a deterrent, despite incidents being rare.

In a Q&A posted on Facebook on Tuesday, the company said the trial had received positive feedback from both staff and customers.

Asked how the trial went, EVF said it was ‘extremely successful, and both positive feedback from our team and customers.’

Despite the cameras being available during the trial, EVF confirmed they were never actually needed, adding: ‘Thankfully due to zero incidents we didn’t need to use them once.’

Explaining why the cameras are now being rolled out island-wide, the company said: ‘While incidents of verbal abuse or shoplifting are extremely rare, these measures will serve as a deterrent.’

EVF also addressed questions around drink and drug driving, stating: ‘EVF operate a zero tolerance policy towards suspect drink and drug drivers, and we will report to the Isle of Man Constabulary Roads Policing Unit.’

The company said the cameras do not record continuously, explaining: ‘No, they only record when manually activated. Our team is trained to inform customers when recording is in progress.’

The devices capture both video and audio, with EVF confirming: ‘Yes, both video and audio are recorded.’

Footage is stored in line with company policy, which EVF said ‘can be reviewed at www.evf.co.im.’ Customers can also see when recording is taking place, as ‘The cameras have a forward facing screen and you can see what is been recorded.’

EVF confirmed police can request footage if needed, saying: ‘Yes the police can request this data in the event of an incident, which can be potentially used in court.’

The rollout will see body cameras introduced across all EVF sites, following what the company has described as a smooth and incident-free trial period.