Goulburn Correctional Centre is just one prison selected to trial body worn camera technology for officers managing maximum-security inmates.
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The equipment, described as cutting edge is designed to improve safety, by reducing the number of “vexatious allegations” made against officers by inmates, increase transparency, and provide better accountability, says Corrections Minister, David Elliott.
More than 40 body worn cameras will be trialed over nine months at seven maximum-security centres across the state.
Officers will activate the cameras during incidents involving inmates or visitors.
Mr Elliott said the trial would also assist in managing the most challenging inmates.
“It is vital we support our frontline prison staff with the latest technology as they manage inmates across the correctional system,” he said.
“The body worn camera trial puts officer safety front and centre.
“One of the most challenging roles prison officers encounter is the movement of high risk inmates such as terrorism-related offenders. The Extreme High Security Unit perform these duties and will have access to these body worn cameras as well as the Security Operations Group.”
The trial will occur at Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre at Silverwater, Silverwater Women’s Correctional Centre, Long Bay Correctional Complex, Wellington Correctional Centre, Macquarie Correctional Centre, Cessnock Correctional Centre and Goulburn Correctional Centre.
Corrective Services NSW officers currently use hand held cameras to record spontaneous serious and critical incidents.
The trial will start in September and the results will inform a potential roll out to other areas of CSNSW, including the court escort security unit.
