New body worn cameras are set to boost police and community safety.
The state-of-the-art cameras boast impressive capabilities, including the option to live-stream interactions and feed information back to specialist or higher-ranking police in real-time.
Police Minister Mark Ryan joined Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler in Townsville for the roll-out of the Queensland Police Service’s new cameras.
Minister Ryan says the new technology was among the first of its kind to be rolled out.
“This is a world-leading initiative, fit for our world-class police service,” Minister Ryan says.
“The live streaming capabilities of these vests means we are able to get clear, accurate information as an emergency situation unfolds.”
A recent siege situation on Magnetic Island proved how valuable the new technology is.
Minister Ryan says a police negotiation coordinator managed the on-scene negotiator response without having to travel to the Island via ferry.
“The negotiator livestreamed into the body worn cameras of negotiators on-scene, and was able to give the best advice to those officers as the siege unfolded,” he says.
“This is life-saving technology that strengthens the response of our police, to ensure we can make quick and accurate decisions at the touch of a button.”
Acting Deputy Commissioner Wheeler says the camera’s capability took policing in Queensland to a new level.
“This is just an extra tool in the tool-belt of our officers, to ensure we can best protect the public,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Wheeler says.
