Roll out of body worn cameras

More than $6 million has been allocated over three years to provide BWCs to frontline police.

There will be a total distribution of 2700 BWCs, with 2200 to be rolled out across 26 locations in Queensland.

500 have already been is use on the Gold Coast and in the road policing command.

This will represent the largest number of devices rolled out to any law enforcement agency in Australia and the fourth largest roll out in the world.

South Eastern Region assistant commissioner Brian Codd said the funding provides data storage and an evidence management system supporting the cameras across the state. 

“The BWCs will greatly assist police in dealing with serious incidents such as alcohol-fuelled violence as well as domestic and family violence through enhanced evidence gathering,” he said.

“Overseas and local BWC trials have also resulted in improved efficiencies, enhanced officer and community safety, a reduction in complaints against police and fewer interactions requiring a use of force by police.”

Assistant commissioner Codd said officers had enthusiastically embraced the new technology.

“These cameras enhance both officer and community safety,” he said.

“The Queensland Police Service sees the effective use of technology such as the BWCs as a means to enhance community and officer safety, achieve greater efficiencies and maintain community confidence in its police service.

“Our aim for the future is for all frontline officers across Queensland to be equipped with these cameras.”

Police Minister Bill Byrne said specialist teams including tactical crime units, rapid action and patrol groups, the railway squad, dog squad and the road policing command will now also benefit from BWCs.

“These cameras greatly assist in dealing with serious incidents such as alcohol-fuelled violence and domestic and family violence through enhanced evidence gathering,” he said.

The roll out is expected to be complete by November.