Police Watchdog Recommends Officers “Must” Activate Body-Worn Cameras

The New South Wales police watchdog has recommended officers “must” activate their body-worn cameras in cases where they’re likely to use police powers.

A new review into NSW Police Force body-worn video (BWV) policy and practice from the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission has made 15 recommendations, tabling its final report in state parliament on Wednesday afternoon.

The recommendations come after multiple, serious incidents in which police did not activate their available BWV, resulting in the loss of “crucial” evidence from investigations.

“In recent years, police body-worn camera footage has proved to be an invaluable tool in helping police and the courts more efficiently deal with allegations, including false allegations against officers who were in reality doing the right thing,” said Chief Commissioner Peter Johnson SC.

“It is reasonable for the public to expect that officers are given clear and unequivocal instructions that they must activate their body-worn camera in certain circumstances.

“The key recommendation of our review is that the NSW Police Force simplify its current policy, to make clear that officers ‘must’ activate body-worn cameras, at a minimum, when exercising police powers, or, when it is likely that an interaction may lead to the exercise of police powers.”

Johnson also linked the use of BWV to public confidence in police.

Officers currently permitted to “use their judgement”

Previous Commission investigations have revealed ongoing and inconsistent police practices and attitudes towards the wearing of body-worn cameras and the use of BWV.

Current guidelines allow NSW officers to “use their judgement” as to whether or not the cameras are switched on.

The activation of BWV when using police powers is mandatory in Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, Northern Territory and South Australia.

NSW Minister for Police and Counterterrorism Yasmin Catley said the state’s police force was considering the LECC’s report as part of a current review into BWV operating procedures.

“Body-worn video is an important tool for NSW Police officers, allowing them to record incidents or events where visual and audio evidence may support an investigation,” she said in a statement.