Cardinia police will be equipped with body worn cameras as the roll out to the local area begins from today.
More than 11,000 cameras will be deployed by 2020, with the Cardinia area next on the list to receive them, which includes Cardinia, Pakenham, Bunyip, Emerald and Kooweerup police stations.
A body worn camera is a tool worn on a police officer’s uniform which is used to record video and audio footage.
Assistant Commissioner Russell Barrett said the body worn cameras are a boost to police capabilities in the area.
“The introduction of body worn cameras is expected to deliver improved community safety, enhanced evidence gathering, increased police safety and accountability,” he said.
“The initial pilot we conducted in April 2018 showed us that camera usage policies, infrastructure and training for police had worked well and police were comfortable using the technology within their first one or two shifts.
“Given the pleasing results of their function along with the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the community, we are in the process of rolling the cameras out to more officers.
“We are pleased to be expanding the body worn cameras to more officers, with the aim to have 11,000 general duties police and Protective Services Officers equipped with one by 2020.”
AC Barrett said officers will undertake training which includes the use and functions of the body worn camera.
From this week, body worn cameras will start to be used by Cardinia general duties and highway patrol police officers of the rank of sergeant and below.
