Police body-worn cameras are being rolled out in Tasmania’s North and will be in use by Launceston frontline officers from tomorrow.
Around 70 body-worn cameras were issued to Hobart police officers last month and cameras will be issued to all frontline police officers in Tasmania.
These are important tools for police and the expected benefits include:
- Improvements to officer safety and more accurate records regarding use of force incidents;
- A reduction in vexatious complaints against police;
- Increased support to victims of family violence in court proceedings; and
- Changes in offender behaviour.
We have committed $3.4 million over four years to provide cameras to Tasmania Police, aimed at improving the safety of our hard working police officers and the community.
Last week, legislation to amend the Police Powers (Surveillance Devices) Act 2006 and the Listening Devices Act 1991 to support the use of body-worn cameras by Tasmania Police has passed the House of Assembly. It will go to the Legislative Council later this month.
This is another example of the Hodgman Liberal Government delivering on our plan to support the important work police do. The Government is committed to continuing to provide Tasmania Police with contemporary equipment and technology to increase the safety of our police officers, community members and victims of crime.
Tasmania is now a better place to live than ever before and the Hodgman Liberal Government will continue to deliver on our long-term plan to make Tasmania an even safer place to live.
