November 1, 2018 Body cameras needed now for frontline police officers Shadow Minister for Police Peter Katsambanis has called for body worn cameras for police officers to be introduced immediately and be appropriately supported with additional funding. Mr Katsambanis said the McGowan Government must heed the recent conclusions of the Crime and Corruption Commission that investigating alleged use of excessive force by police officers “may have been made easier” if body cameras had been worn by officers. “The Police Commissioner is showing leadership where the government is not,” Mr Katsambanis said. “The Commissioner is making it a priority to find funding for this vital resource and the McGowan Government must support the Commissioner by providing additional funding to avoid the need to further cut other areas of the Police budget. “If the Government is not going to provide additional funding, the Minister needs to step up and tell the public where those cuts will be made. “Is it any wonder Police morale has deteriorated under this Government? “The McGowan Government broke an election commitment for a 1.5 per cent pay increase, increased the rent on regional Government housing by $30 a week and has failed to provide funding for body worn cameras. “It’s time this Government got serious with community safety and serious about supporting our Police Force.” Body cameras are already worn by police officers in other Australian jurisdictions as well as in Great Britain and the United States. Ends |
