By Tate Papworth
Brimbank police officers are now equipped with body cameras.
More than 11,000 cameras will be rolled out to all frontline police and protective services officers by 2020, with Brimbank next on the list.
The cameras will capture audio and video interactions between police and the public, as well as capture video evidence at crime scenes.
Victoria Police said the cameras will help police to provide transparency.
“Officers will turn on their body-worn cameras when they are exercising police powers, collecting evidence, a situation where recording would provide transparency to a police interaction and when they feel there is a need to record,” Victoria Police said in a statement.
“Cameras will be turned on by the police officer when they are undertaking duties such as effecting an arrest, applying use of force, issuing an infringement, conducting vehicle stops, witnessing an incident, undertaking an alcohol or drug test or managing someone in custody.”
Police claim the cameras should also help improve community safety.
“The introduction of body worn cameras is expected to deliver benefits for Victoria Police and the community,” Victoria Police said.
“The benefits include improved capture of video and audio evidence, increased early guilty pleas and successful prosecutions, better outcomes for victims and witnesses, faster resolution of complaints and lawsuits and improved community and police officer safety.”
Highway Patrol members and officers of Sergeant rank and below at the Keilor Downs and Sunshine police stations began wearing the cameras at the start of the month.
Police minister Lisa Neville announced the continued rollout in August last year and said the cameras were a vital tool.
“They have already led to quicker results through the courts and we expect these benefits will continue.”
