BWV is a tool used to gather evidence. Police can use BWV to record events and conversations with the public in operational situations.

After a two-year trial in Kempsey, the cameras have been rolled out to every police station in the Mid North Coast Police District.

They record high definition, wide angle vision and high quality audio. All recordings are stored and managed in a restricted access environment on a secured video management system.

Stations will have a dock of cameras at their disposal, with officers to scan their palm print before being allocated a BWV.

Once the officers return and sign the camera back in, the files are automatically available for quick viewing. The cameras are clearly visible to the public when worn.

Superintendent Paul Fehon said the cameras are an excellent piece of technology that will assist his staff perform their duties.

"When police turn up to any scene they can be recording exactly what they come across,” he said. 

“Body worn video will assist police in taking statements rather than sitting down and writing it out. We can do other things like recording people’s driver’s licences in the field (so) it is a great time saver.”

Kempsey’s camera trial has enabled its creators to make major improvements to the original design, resulting in a much better product.

Police agencies worldwide using the technology have reported a range of benefits.

These include gathering and presentation of evidence, lowering incidence or escalation of violence, an increase in guilty pleas by defendants and increased time on patrol with less time spent on paperwork.

Supt Fehon said there are enough units for every officer in the Command.

“We expect all our officers to be wearing them. Whether they’re used at a scene is at the discretion of the officer," he said.

Police will activate the record function of the camera at their discretion. Where practical, police will advise people that they are being recorded.

Police are legally allowed to use BWV to record in public places and private situations, much like members of the public using their mobile phones. 

Police can only use BWV recordings for law enforcement purposes defined in the Surveillance Devices Act 2007 or as prescribed by regulation.

BWV recordings may be used in court as evidence, for investigative purposes including complaints against police and as training material for police.

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