Address other priorities before high tech cameras are introduced - Raymond Wilson

Sergeant Raymond Wilson, Chairman of the Police Federation, says although rank and file members of the Force are not opposed to wearable cameras, several other issues must first be addressed.

He contends that although the cameras could prove to be an asset to the Force, existing conditions under which the police work should be taken into consideration.     

“Because we used the weekend to look at the societies where it works.  And in many of those societies the police officers do not engage with the kind of criminals we have and they do not carry the same kind of layout ….. having to crawl on their bellies for many metres while under gunfire and stuff like that."

He noted that before high tech cameras can be introduced there is the need for essential equipment.

“We cannot dispel the fact that there are serious welfare issues that are going unnoticed and there are serious situations related to shortages uniforms, there’s a serious shortage of even  bullet proof vests that are going unnoticed, these must be given equal attention” Wilson said.

Last Thursday, National Security Minister Peter Bunting announced the implementation of  a pilot project for police personnel to wear body cameras during operations. The small cameras are typically worn on an officer's lapel or on a small headset.

At a press briefing, Bunting said it will encourage professional behavior by police officers, improve transparency and evidence collection, and head off unfair allegations of wrongdoing.