Queensland police officers could soon be deployed to regions outside their home district and will be equipped with a fleet of new high-definition body worn cameras as part of an overhaul being ushered in under new commissioner Katarina Carroll.
An upgrade of the electronic equipment will see a new generation of high-definition cameras rolled out, providing about 7,700 devices in total — or one for every uniformed first-responding officer.
About 5,000 body-worn cameras are in use at the moment, but thousands will be replaced to offer new capabilities like instant downloading from remote locations.
Commissioner Carroll, who took over the Queensland Police Service (QPS) earlier this month, said it would dramatically improve frontline policing.
"The clarity of real-time footage can not only facilitate a quicker resolution to criminal investigations, but also provides police officers and the public with confidence that evidence is being recorded without prejudice," she said.
Officers will now have access to two technologies, including the existing QLiTE tablet devices.
The commissioner would also introduce a new "borderless" policing mode, where officers can be "moved in numbers" to where they are needed most, as seen fit by police management.
Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan welcomed the changes and said it would also provide the public with greater assurance.
"Body-worn cameras have proven to be beneficial for police officers as they allow officers to improve their response in relation to threats against community safety," Mr Ryan said.
"This increases transparency of QPS responses and ensures consistency in digital evidence-handling procedures."
