In a state first, body-worn cameras will be trialled at the Adelaide Youth Training Centre, with the aim of improving safety for staff and residents.
A six-month trial is expected to begin in March, on the back of recommendations for the introduction of body worn cameras in the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Relevant unions, key stakeholders and staff have been notified. Planning for the trial will begin immediately and AYTC staff will be consulted in the coming weeks to help determine trial guidelines, including when the cameras are used in the centre.
Body-worn cameras attach to the uniforms of staff and are activated to capture both video and audio recording during an incident.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said trials interstate show body worn cameras have played a role in managing incidents, including acting as a potential deterrent.
"We are committed to protecting the safety and dignity of young people – and staff – in our youth training centre," said Minister Lensink.
"It's important we use this trial to ensure we continue to protect young people and staff, while maintaining young people's privacy.
"This trial will support our commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for all residents and staff at the centre."
The South Australian trial will test the potential benefits of body-worn cameras in youth justice system, including if they have a positive impact on:
* Reducing the severity of incidents
* Reducing the level of force required to de-escalate a situation
* Increasing transparency and accountability in incident reporting
* Improving the quality and accuracy of incident reports
Trials interstate reveal body worn cameras contributed to:
* Reduced incidents
* Positive and effective de-escalation of young people
* A reduction in staff injury
"Young people at the Adelaide Youth Training Centre can present with challenging behaviour, many with significant histories of trauma and violence, some who have been found guilty of serious crimes," said Minister Lensink.
"With this in mind, management can often be challenging and even with the best practice and specialised behaviour support techniques aimed at de-escalating behaviour, incidents can occur.
"The results of this trial will provide essential data to support our decision-making on the potential use and benefits of body-worn cameras here.
"The State Government has already made and will continue to make significant improvements in the Youth Justice system and remains committed to learn and review best practice for both young people and staff."
In addition to the body-worn camera trial, the AYTC plans to widen its security measures by introducing a full body scanner by July 2020.
Full body scanners can detect a broader range of contraband than the current devices in use and once in place will also help improve the dignity of the young people by reducing the need for partially un-clothed searches.
a state first, body-worn cameras will be trialled at the Adelaide Youth Training Centre, with the aim of improving safety for staff and residents.
A six-month trial is expected to begin in March, on the back of recommendations for the introduction of body worn cameras in the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Relevant unions, key stakeholders and staff have been notified. Planning for the trial will begin immediately and AYTC staff will be consulted in the coming weeks to help determine trial guidelines, including when the cameras are used in the centre.
Body-worn cameras attach to the uniforms of staff and are activated to capture both video and audio recording during an incident.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said trials interstate show body worn cameras have played a role in managing incidents, including acting as a potential deterrent.
"We are committed to protecting the safety and dignity of young people – and staff – in our youth training centre," said Minister Lensink.
"It's important we use this trial to ensure we continue to protect young people and staff, while maintaining young people's privacy.
"This trial will support our commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for all residents and staff at the centre."
The South Australian trial will test the potential benefits of body-worn cameras in youth justice system, including if they have a positive impact on:
* Reducing the severity of incidents
* Reducing the level of force required to de-escalate a situation
* Increasing transparency and accountability in incident reporting
* Improving the quality and accuracy of incident reports
Trials interstate reveal body worn cameras contributed to:
* Reduced incidents
* Positive and effective de-escalation of young people
* A reduction in staff injury
"Young people at the Adelaide Youth Training Centre can present with challenging behaviour, many with significant histories of trauma and violence, some who have been found guilty of serious crimes," said Minister Lensink.
"With this in mind, management can often be challenging and even with the best practice and specialised behaviour support techniques aimed at de-escalating behaviour, incidents can occur.
"The results of this trial will provide essential data to support our decision-making on the potential use and benefits of body-worn cameras here.
"The State Government has already made and will continue to make significant improvements in the Youth Justice system and remains committed to learn and review best practice for both young people and staff."
In addition to the body-worn camera trial, the AYTC plans to widen its security measures by introducing a full body scanner by July 2020.
Full body scanners can detect a broader range of contraband than the current devices in use and once in place will also help improve the dignity of the young people by reducing the need for partially un-clothed searches.
