Considering getting a discreet body worn camera to record the behaviour of some men; any thoughts?

[PunishmentRoundupWithJoon]

This idea was inspired by another thread in which a woman was out walking and was followed by a man behaving strangely. One of the replies suggested getting a body worn camera and provided a link. I followed that link and am seriously considering getting one myself and attaching it to the strap of my backpack.

I am so tired of the behaviour of some men. When I try to explain some aspects of their behaviour to my partner, he just doesn't understand. Not surprising, as he's a man, and isn't subject to the same harassment as women are.

The staring and leering. The crotch grabbing. The times when you have the feeling they're filming or taking photos. It sounds almost unbelievable when written down, more so because of my age (not that age protects women from harassment and abuse). I thought by 55 I'd be free of this. Instead it's almost worse. The rude behaviour of certain male shopkeepers that you're pretty sure is because you're female. Oh, and the recent flasher. Happened so quickly it barely registered. Reported it to the police of course. Keep thinking that if I'd had the body camera then, the incident would have been caught on camera.

Also having thoughts of then uploading these incidents somewhere to show what women have to put up with.

I'm curious to see what is caught by such a camera. Thinking about it, I think that all women should be issued one free of charge!

Does anyone own/wear such a device at the moment and have you found it useful?

I find it really sad that you feel you don't have freedom to do whatever you like because of how a random man may or may not behave.

What a waste of a life.

@ThingsThatMakeYouGoHmmmmmmmmm - I sincerely hope all my footage is dull! I won't be going home and poring over any footage at the end of the day. Unless there's nowt good on telly. But on the off chance something does occur, it MAY be useful.

Like we're not all on film far too much already. What a sad world it'll be when we all wear body cams. However, I do understand after your experiences. Flashers are particularly dangerous.

The pedo hunters announce they're filming so their films can be used as evidence. You can covertly film, but could get in hot water if you publish the video along with criticism of the subject(s).

@Duckyfondant - yes, it was the flasher that shook me up. There have been other incidents where men have been essentially masturbating in full view of me - it went way beyond simply touching themselves. Either through their clothes or with their hands down their pants. Just in case this type of thing escalates.

They hold their phone up, the people know it’s being filmed. It’s illegal to use a spy type camera.

• Harassment – Protection from Harassment Act 1997If the recording is used in a way that may causes distress from the person being filmed.
• Harassment doesn’t require physical contact.
• Punishable by up to 6 months in prison or a fine (more if it’s stalking).

You are afraid to go out alone? As in all the time?

I don't think this is true. And who is going to police it anyway if it's hidden?!

Pretty sure pepper spray is illegal in the UK, filming people covertly in a public place is not.

Might be an idea when out walking due to the number of dogs off lead who bark and growl menacingly at you.
At least you could post it on the local FB group!

I wear one at work. It's not just to protect staff it records everything both parties say so is a useful record if there are allegations made about staff
They also capture better quality facial images than regular store CCTV.

There are some legalities around using them. I looked into it when I got a helmet camera to use personally.

It's not so much recording in a public place it's what you do with the footage & how you store it & for how long that you need to be aware of.

Research shows they are best used overtly as the camera deters the behaviour.

I did see a lady wearing a personal camera & it did make me feel very uncomfortable. She was heavily pregnant so I doubt her motives were anything other than her own safety but I did feel uncomfortable especially as we were both in the ladies.

@Serencwtch - I'd never have it on in changing rooms or toilets. I'd remove it from my bag. It wouldn't actually be on all the time anyway, only in certain situations if my gut was telling me to be cautious. With it being attached to my bag, it could be switched on or off easily. I think we do have to be aware of other people's privacy too.

In the heat of the moment would you remember the to put it on and set it up anyway? It’s more than just pressing an on button

@Serencwtch - and I totally get why it made you uncomfortable. I even feel uncomfortable if someone is face timing and I'm in the background!

It would already be on my bag, so just a switch to press, On entering a changing room or toilet, I would remove it. They are very small, Would fit in a pocket. The one I am looking to buy is actually simple to use, three buttons.

You really need to read the definition of harassment. What the OP is describing is not harassment.

The staring and leering. The crotch grabbing. The times when you have the feeling they're filming or taking photos. It sounds almost unbelievable when written down, more so because of my age (not that age protects women from harassment and abuse). I thought by 55 I'd be free of this. Instead it's almost worse. The rude behaviour of certain male shopkeepers that you're pretty sure is because you're female. Oh, and the recent flasher. Happened so quickly it barely registered. Reported it to the police of course. Keep thinking that if I'd had the body camera then, the incident would have been caught on camera.

I've never experienced or witnessed anything like this in my home city or any other places I've visited, UK or Europe.

Thanks to everyone who has constructively contributed. I have a family member who is in the police, so will be checking with them as regards the legality. So far, it's looking like it's perfectly legal, with some obvious restrictions on use of the data.

Yes however if someone catches OP it could be described as such

Tf?