Following an initial pilot in Ballarat and Epping, Victoria Police will roll out body worn cameras to approximately 800 additional police at 59 stations by the end of the year following infrastructure upgrades to these stations.
By the end of 2018, body worn cameras will be introduced to general duties and highway patrol police of the rank of sergeant and below at Whittlesea and Mernda stations.
Assistant Commissioner Russell Barrett said that an evaluation of the new technology in Ballarat and Epping returned positive results.
“The introduction of body worn cameras is expected to deliver improved community safety, enhanced evidence gathering, increased police safety and accountability,” Barrett said.
“We evaluated the initial roll out of cameras to Ballarat and Epping police stations in April to test whether the technology was being used correctly and to determine any areas for improvement.
“We found that the camera usage policies, infrastructure and training for police had worked well and police were comfortable using the technology within their first one or two shifts.
“Footage captured by the cameras within a six week period was instrumental in securing guilty pleas in at least four court cases, which is a great result for us.
“The community showed great interest in the cameras and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
“Given the pleasing evaluation results, we are now preparing to roll the cameras out state-wide.
“Busy regional police stations such as Swan Hill, Bacchus Marsh, Whittlesea and Mildura will be receiving the technology this year as we focus on deploying to areas predominantly in the west of Victoria,” Barrett said.
Legislation allowing body worn cameras to record family violence victim statements as evidence in chief was enacted on Thursday 23 August. Victoria Police supports the legislation and is working with all stakeholders to confirm an appropriate commencement date.
A body worn camera is a tool worn on a police officer’s uniform which is used to record video and audio evidence.
