Queensland Police trials body worn recording devices

Queensland Police officers in Toowoomba and Townsville districts will trial body worn video and audio recording devices from July 1, Acting Deputy Commissioner Col McCallum announced today.

The 'proof of concept' trial will be conducted over a six month period, and is a part of the QPS response to the recommendations out of the joint QPS/CMC Taser trial review report.

The cameras will be worn by Taser qualified officers, and will be activated in situations where Taser's or other uses of force may be used to resolve incidents, Mr McCallum said.

Each year the QPS has about 5.2 million interactions with the public, and the vast majority of these do not require a use of force. The cameras will be activated only if the officer feels there may be a use of force required.

"The body worn devices are being trialed in addition to Taser mounted cameras, which are on trial in Logan, Caboolture, Townsville and Toowoomba districts, as a part of the response to the recommendations of the review report.

"While Tasercams only operate when the Taser's safety is disengaged, and offer a reasonably limited field of vision, the body worn recording devices are being trialled to see if they provide a wider and more comprehensive recording of events leading up to a use of force, allowing the officers' actions to be seen in context.

"Obviously, the officers will be able to activate the body worn devices at any time they think it appropriate.

At the end of the trial period, the evaluation and results of both trials will be considered by the Taser Review Steering Committee, and the formal findings will be provided to the Commissioner.

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