The Košice Public Transport Company (DPMK) expects the cameras to serve as a deterrent and help resolve disputed situations objectively. The recordings will serve as evidence in the event of complaints or incidents, preventing “he-said, she-said” situations. DPMK explains that this is one of the steps being taken to improve safety and comfort on public transit.
How will the recording system work?
The cameras will be prominently mounted on the ticket inspectors’ uniforms. Video and audio recording will be activated only during ticket inspections and turned off once the inspection is complete.
Passengers will be notified of the video recording in several ways:
- Special stickers inside the vehicle.
- Markings on the inspectors’ uniforms.
- An audio announcement before the inspection begins.
- A light indicator on the camera itself, which will signal when recording is active.
According to Roman Danko, interim CEO of DPMK, only authorized personnel will have access to the recordings. If the video is not needed to investigate a specific incident, it will be automatically deleted after seven days.
Is this practice already in place in other cities?
Košice is not the first city in Slovakia to implement this practice. In Bratislava, inspectors have been using body cameras since August 26, 2026. The reason is the same: to improve safety and ensure objectivity in resolving conflicts.
In the capital, the data retention rules are slightly different: unused recordings are stored on encrypted servers and automatically deleted after 15 days. Body cameras are also used by municipal police in several Slovak cities and by the railway company ZSSK, where they help reduce aggression on trains.
What does this mean for passengers?
For you as a passenger, this means that any conversation with a ticket inspector during a ticket check may be recorded. This serves as protection for both parties:
- Passenger protection. If you believe a conductor behaved inappropriately or overstepped their authority, the video recording will serve as objective evidence when filing a complaint.
- Protection for the inspector. The camera will capture instances of aggressive behavior or unfounded accusations by passengers.
In addition to the cameras, DPMK conducts joint raids with the city police to improve safety. According to the company, more than 4,100 vehicles were inspected from January through September 2026. The presence of police allows for an immediate response to public order violations. The Košice Public Transport Company (DPMK) has introduced body-worn cameras for fare inspectors. According to Aktuality.sk, this will help reduce the number of conflicts.
