The Ministry of Justice have announced that it is to be compulsory for bailiffs recovering debts from private homes to wear body cameras.
The decision, which was announced on July 22nd2019, was made in response to complaints about threatening behaviour from unscrupulous enforcement agents.
Here at Churchill Recovery we believe that debt collection should always be carried out professionally, fairly and ethically. Our bailiffs never use threatening behaviour and always strive to give the consumer the opportunity to negotiate an affordable repayment plan.
Unfortunately, this is not the case with all debt enforcement officers, and the Ministry of Justice’s latest move hopes to combat unethical behaviour by a minority of hard-handed bailiffs by keeping a video record of every visit.
Paul Maynard, the Justice Minister, said: “While most bailiffs act above board, body-worn cameras will provide greater security for all involved – not least consumers who are often vulnerable.”
Some of the unacceptable behaviour that the move is set to tackle includes:
- Intimidating and aggressive behaviour.
- Illegally seizing possessions.
- Unnecessary home visits.
The Ministry of Justice hopes that this move along with the “60 day breathing space scheme” will work together to help protect vulnerable debtors.
The new government plans will require around 2,500 certified enforcement officers to wear a body camera as well as all High Court enforcement officers.
Whilst there is no set date for the changes to come into play yet, the Ministry of Justice has said that they’re committed to making body-worn camera compulsory for bailiffs as soon as possible.
To find out more about the fair and professional debt collection services we offer here at Churchill Recovery, give our team of experts a call on 0333 320 0748.