Police are regularly being asked about the equipment we carry. One of the more recent items which attracts a lot of questions is the Body Work Video Camera Which is a small rectangular shaped box attached to an officer's vest.
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Body-Worn Video (BWV) allows police officers to gather information and evidence as it happens and provide police with the ability to present visual and audio evidence at court.
BWV is not constantly recording and will only record when the officer has initiated it by pushing the record button. Police will also tell you at the first available opportunity that you are being recorded. The use of BWV is at the officer's discretion and will generally be incident specific.
However, it is expected the BWV device would be used when:
- Police would usually use their notebook to record information
- When exercising a police power or it is anticipated or performing a policing function
- To capture evidence or record something of relevance
- First response crime and incident investigation
- Licensed Premises inspections and patrols
- Whilst conducting vehicle stops
- During conversation with members of the public which may relate to an incident, is relevant to an investigation, or is possibly valuable police or crime related information
- In situations where the use of force is anticipated
- When conducting intimate searches
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Why do police use BWV?
- To lower incidence and escalation of violence
- Reduce 'not guilty 'pleas
- Improve officer conduct, professionalism and reduced complaints
- Improve offender behaviour
- Increase time on patrol and reduced officer time spent on paperwork
- Video content for use in training and police education
- Reduce officer injuries
- Improve collection of evidence
- Enhance brief of evidence preparation
Can I object to being recorded?
Legislation allows police to record incidents in public places and private premises without consent. Police will record your objection and inform you that it has been noted however the recording will be continued.
What will recordings be used for?
Body-Worn Video recordings are classified as 'protected information' under Section 39 of the Surveillance Devices Act and must be securely stored and managed.
Recordings can only be used if permitted under Part 5 of the Act.
BWV can be used in connection with the exercise of law enforcement, to investigate and prosecute a criminal offence, to investigate disciplinary matters and for education and training by the NSW Police Force.
The Surveillance Devices Act 2007 also prohibits the unlawful use, communication, or publication of protected information. So, rest assured in knowing that police will not be disseminating, posting to social media, or using the footage for any other reason.
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