The NSW Government will introduce legislation to give the NSW Police Force better tools to investigate homicides and organised crime, find missing persons and support coronial investigations.
New laws will enable police to access unredacted images captured by toll cameras from public toll roads when investigating a suspected serious indictable offence, or in response to a missing person report.
Under the current system, investigations into serious crime can be hampered as toll images provided to police are redacted, preventing investigators from identifying a suspect and potentially allowing a case to go cold.
If the legislation passes Parliament, the Government will commence preparations for a staged implementation of the reforms, beginning with cameras on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour Tunnel.
The changes will not impact everyday drivers, but only those suspected of serious crimes or missing persons.
The reforms recognise the important role toll camera imagery can play in helping police investigate serious offences and establish a clearer picture of events and movements.
This is part of the Minns Labor Government's plan to build safer communities by strengthening our police force and giving police the tools they need to do their job.
From cracking down on serious criminals to finding missing people and supporting coronial investigations, these reforms will help police access the information they need to investigate, connect the dots and keep the community safe.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:
"For the first time, NSW Police will be given access to images that could help connect the dots and solve serious crimes in our state.
"This is all part of our plan to give our police the powers and capability they need to keep communities safe.
"The Minns Government will pull every available lever to bring dangerous offenders and organised criminals to justice."
Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:
"Our toll road network can play an important role beyond keeping people moving - it can also help NSW Police solve serious crimes, stop organised crime, assist in coronial matters and find missing persons.
"This legislation will ensure that police officers investigating serious offences have the benefit of toll camera imagery to assist them in their important roles of fighting serious crime and keeping people safe."
