Animal control officers and parking wardens in New Plymouth are to be kitted out with body cameras to deter aggressive behaviour towards them.
New Plymouth District Council spokeswoman Rowan Williams said the cameras, which come into use this week, were needed to ensure staff safety.
The council had an obligation to minimise risk to its employees, and when aggressive people knew they were being recorded, their behaviour often softened, Ms Williams said.
Animal control officers would wear the cameras whenever they interacted with the public, and parking wardens would initially wear them only on Saturdays.