Body-worn cameras appearing on Geelong police from this week will help fight crime while increasing their “accountability”, according to the force’s Assistant Commissioner.
Victoria Police began rolling out the cameras at the start of the week, with general duties and highway patrol officers ranked from sergeant down the first to wear them.
Victoria Police plans to deploy 11,000 of the cameras by 2020, with all the stations in greater Geelong on the list.
The cameras capture of both video and audio would provide a “boost to police capabilities”, said Assistant Commissioner Russell Barret.
“The introduction of body worn cameras is expected to deliver improved community safety, enhanced evidence gathering, increased police safety and accountability,” he said.
“The initial pilot we conducted in April 2018 showed us that 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. Given the pleasing results of their function, along with the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the community, we are in the process of rolling the cameras out to more officers.
“We are pleased to be expanding the body worn cameras to more officers, with the aim to have 11,000 general duties police and Protective Services Officers equipped with one by 2020.”
Officers would undertake regular training on the use and functions of the cameras,” Asst Comm Barret said.
