ACT Policing has introduced new equipment for its officers on the beat this week, making their work safer for both the police and the community.
The gear consists of upgraded conducted energy weapons (CEWs) linked to new body worn cameras (BWCs).
More than 480 kits will be rolled out across ACT Policing over 12 months as a result of a $2.7 million injection of funding over four years.
The new technology allows more advanced camera systems to be linked to CEWs and firearms.
Launching the rollout, Deputy Chief Police Officer Michael Chew confirmed the equipment would make day-to-day policing safer.
“These camera systems are worn separately on the officers’ uniforms and provide significantly enhanced recording and functionality,” DCPO Chew said.
“Importantly, whenever a CEW is drawn and activated or a firearm is drawn, BWCs in the proximity are activated, recording multiple views of the incident.”
He said recording incidents often led to quicker compliance by offenders and ultimately provided unbiased, factual information about an incident.
“At the end of each shift, any footage is uploaded to a fully auditable and secure cloud storage facility,” DCPO Chew said.
He said benefits included the provision of an accurate record of events that were difficult to dispute leading to better outcomes for victims of crime; less time required for written statements when video was available; and better quality of evidence presented in Court, leading to quicker outcomes.
He said audio and video evidence might also support reluctant witnesses through the Court process, while there would be greater protection for police against excessive use of force claims.
