Once reserved for police departments and military operations, body-worn cameras and aerial drones are now standard tools for private security teams. While these devices promise better coverage and accountability, they also open the door to new liability exposures that many firms haven’t fully considered.
From a legal standpoint, the same footage that clears a guard’s name can also become ‘Exhibit A’ in a lawsuit. And while drones extend your eyes to places humans can’t safely go, a single equipment failure or airspace violation can come at a steep cost.
This article examines how surveillance technology is altering the risk profile for private security companies and how partnering with an insurance provider like El Dorado Insurance can help you remain protected in a world where every angle is being recorded.
The Increase of Surveillance Tech in Private Security
The private security industry has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from basic tools like notepads and radios to advanced technologies such as high-definition body cameras and AI-powered drones. This shift has enhanced the ability of security professionals to monitor, assess, and respond to incidents more effectively.
The adoption of body-worn cameras has seen a remarkable increase. According to a report by The Business Research Company, the body-worn camera market is projected to grow from $0.93 billion in 2024 to $1.05 billion in 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7%. Similarly, the public safety drone market is experiencing rapid expansion, with projections indicating growth from $1.1 billion in 2023 to $2.0 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 13.0%.
Practical Applications in Private Security
Incorporating body cameras and drones into private security operations has become increasingly common:
- Body Cameras for Guard Accountability – Officers at retail sites, medical campuses, and event venues utilize body cameras to record interactions, adding an extra layer of transparency that helps resolve disputes or support legal defense if necessary.
- Drones for Wide-Area Monitoring – Security teams covering industrial parks, solar farms, and remote construction sites rely on drones to efficiently monitor areas that are otherwise time-consuming or unsafe to patrol on foot.
- Real-Time Streaming to Command Centers – Both drones and body cams can livestream footage to operations centers, enabling supervisors to assess threats as they unfold and direct personnel accordingly.
- Evidence Collection for Incident Reports – Recorded footage is invaluable for after-action reviews, claim documentation, and law enforcement collaboration in the event of theft, trespassing, or assault.
- Deterrence Through Visibility – The visible presence of cameras—whether body-worn or hovering overhead—can discourage bad behavior and make would-be offenders think twice.
A report showed that implementing body cameras resulted in a 14.3% decrease in complaints against officers, with no complaints reported against those using head-mounted cameras. Furthermore, the time spent on paperwork and file preparation fell by 22.4%, allowing officers to allocate an extra 50 minutes of their 9-hour shift to mobile and foot patrols.
Body Cameras: Transparency or Ticking Time Bomb?
As body-worn cameras (BWC) become more prevalent in private security, companies are seeing both the best and worst of what the footage can reveal. These tiny devices carry big consequences depending on how they’re used, stored, and protected.
| Benefits | Risks | Insurance Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Defends against false claims – Footage can quickly clear an officer accused of misconduct or excessive force. | State Privacy Laws – Consent laws vary widely; recording without notice may be illegal in some jurisdictions. | Footage Misuse Claims – If video is shared without authorization, you could face privacy violation lawsuits. |
| Valuable in Court – Videos can support your side in liability disputes or claims involving third parties. | Data Storage Issues – Who owns the footage? How long should it be stored? Poor data practices create legal exposure. | General Liability Gaps – Not all policies automatically cover tech-related claims, especially around personal data. |
| Encourages Better Conduct – Securities are more likely to follow protocol when they know their activities are being recorded. | Legal Weapon Against You – Footage can be selectively used to support claims against your company. | Need for Tailored Coverage – Standard coverage may not be enough; add-ons or custom policies often required. |
| Improves Incident Reporting – Helps clarify timelines and events, leading to better reports. | Cost of Implementation – The tech is expensive, and so is maintaining secure video storage systems. | E&O exposure – Mistakes in handling footage could fall under Errors & Omissions liability. |
| Enhances Training – Improves guard training and reduce future incidents. | Employee Pushback – Not all guards are comfortable being recorded, which can affect morale. | Insurance Partner Expertise – Working with an industry-aware provider like El Dorado helps close coverage gaps. |
Drones: Eyes in the Sky, Legal Gray Areas on the Ground
Drones bring an undeniable edge to security operations, especially for large or complex properties. But along with the view from above comes a new set of compliance, safety, and insurance responsibilities that every firm should address head-on.
I. Operational Advantages
II. Operational Risks to Watch
III. Insurance Essentials
Westfield’s Body Camera Rollout Post-Bondi Junction Attack
Background
In April 2024, a tragic incident unfolded at the Bondi Junction Westfield shopping centre in Sydney, where a stabbing attack led to the deaths of six individuals and left several others injured. The event deeply shocked the public and prompted intense scrutiny of the mall’s security protocols and response preparedness. At the time, Westfield’s on-site security personnel were not equipped with body-worn cameras, limiting the availability of real-time evidence during and after the incident.
Problem
The absence of body-worn cameras during the Bondi Junction attack exposed a critical gap in Westfield’s security infrastructure. Without firsthand video documentation, the ability to review the actions of security officers, reconstruct timelines, and support investigative efforts was significantly hindered. Additionally, the public and media raised concerns about transparency, accountability, and whether security measures were adequate in high-footfall public venues like shopping centers.
Solution
In response to the incident and the lessons learned, Westfield, managed by Scentre Group, announced in March 2025 that it would implement a full rollout of body-worn cameras and stab-resistant vests to all frontline security guards across its shopping centers in Australia and New Zealand.
The rollout will begin immediately, with the body cams providing both audio and video recordings during active shifts. This initiative is designed to support safer interactions, document critical events in real time, and provide valuable evidence for law enforcement investigations or internal reviews.
By integrating this technology into daily operations, Westfield aims to raise the standard of incident response and foster greater public confidence in its commitment to safety.
Reflection for the Security Agency
For Westfield and its contracted security teams, the decision to equip guards with body-worn cameras marks a strategic and necessary evolution in their operational approach.
This move reflects a broader understanding that technology is not just a reactive tool but a proactive safeguard—one that promotes accountability, transparency, and professionalism in high-stakes environments.
By enhancing documentation capabilities and officer protection, Westfield is also empowering its security staff to act confidently and responsibly under pressure. Moreover, the initiative sends a clear signal to the public: that lessons have been learned, and concrete steps are being taken to prevent future vulnerabilities.
For security agencies more broadly, this case reinforces the importance of continual risk assessment and the integration of real-time surveillance tools in frontline operations.
Best Practices for Risk Management
Surveillance tools are only as effective and safe as the policies behind them. Security firms that implement body cams and drones without clear protocols risk more than just public backlash–they risk costly lawsuits and uncovered claims. Here’s a practical roadmap for reducing exposure and reinforcing your coverage.
Step 1: Write a Clear Surveillance Policy
Outline how body cameras and drones should be used: when recording is allowed, who can review footage, how long it’s stored, and how access is controlled. Set boundaries that align with legal standards and build trust with clients and employees alike. Document retention rules also protect your firm from data misuse or deletion claims.
Step 2: Train Teams—Don’t Just Equip Them
Tech doesn’t replace judgment. Every officer should receive training on privacy laws, use-of-force policies, consent requirements, and device handling. Real-world examples and video-based training can improve retention. Regular refreshers reduce errors and help reinforce legal protections in the field.
Step 3: Stay Current on Surveillance Laws
Laws governing audio recording, drone flight zones, and data retention shift often—especially at the state or city level. Assign a compliance lead or legal partner to monitor updates. A one-time legal review isn’t enough.
Step 4: Review Your Insurance Strategy Regularly
Partner with a provider like El Dorado Insurance, which understands the distinctions of surveillance-related liability. From drone crashes to accidental footage leaks, they can help tailor a policy that keeps up with how your firm operates.
Key Takeaway
Body Cams and Drones in Security can strengthen your operations—but only if you have the right protection in place. Without clear policies, legal awareness, and tailored insurance, these tools meant to reduce risk can quickly become a source of it. That’s where the right partner matters.
El Dorado Insurance understands the security industry and the evolving challenges that come with surveillance tech. From liability to cyber exposure, they build coverage that fits how you work—on the ground and in the air.
Still unsure? Reach out to El Dorado
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