Body worn camera boost for police

Minister for Police and Minister for Corrective Services, the Honourable Mark Ryan MP, joined Commissioner Katarina Carroll today for the announcement of a major step forward for front line police officers.

A new contract arrangement will mean all uniformed first responder officers will have body worn cameras.

The contract arrangements will also deliver a significant improvement in body worn camera technology.

The new contract will increase the Queensland Police Service body worn camera fleet to 7,700 devices.

That’s a massive increase from the initial 2100 government supplied devices that previously comprised the body worn camera fleet.

It’s a win-win; more cameras and better technology to deliver significant benefits to police and the community.

As well, this new arrangement means that all uniformed first responder officers will now have access to two important technologies, body worn cameras and QLiTE tablet devices.

The Queensland Police Service was the first policing agency in the Asia Pacific to implement a body worn camera regime.

The Police Service’s early adoption of technology plays a vital role in the way police operate on a daily basis.

The Queensland Police Service uses a ‘borderless’ policing model under which police are moved in numbers to where they’re needed, when they’re needed.

Not only are there more police in Queensland than ever before, but the QPS is also more mobile and agile.

And technologies like QLiTEs and body worn cameras support that policing philosophy.

Commissioner Carroll said body worn cameras used by police officers were vital policing tools as they provided an impartial record of events and interactions.

“The clarity of real time footage can not only facilitate a quicker resolution to criminal investigations but also provides police officers and the public with confidence that evidence is being recorded without prejudice,” Commissioner Carroll said.

Minister Ryan said the Queensland Government was pleased that police were being equipped with wearable technology.

“Body worn cameras have proven to be beneficial for police officers as they allow officers to improve their response in relation to threats against community safety.

“This increases transparency of QPS responses and ensures consistency in digital evidence handling procedures.

"Ian Leavers and the Queensland Police Union were the orginal proponents of body worn cameras.

"They sought the election commitments on this and I am proud the government has delivered for police.

"As Ian Leavers says, the body worn camera is the modern equivalent of the old police notebook.

"I will continue to ensure police have the tools they need to do their job," Minister Ryan said.

Fast Facts

•          QPS body worn camera fleet increase to 7700 devices
•          All uniformed first responder officers will now be allocated with a body worn camera
•          Cameras are high-definition and industry-leading for their design and purpose
•          Officers won’t have to physically attend premises to collect footage, freeing up resources
•          Reduced administrative time for officers redirected to the front line.

Media note: Fresh body worn camera vision is available on the following link:

https://d2haxmvzil2swt.cloudfront.net/uploads/2019/07/23/8533_Body_Worn_Op_V2.mp4

Media contacts 

Minister Ryan’s Office: Ph: (07) 3035 8300

Police Media: Ph: (07) 3015 2444