From today (October 18), officers in Geraldton and other locations in the Mid West Gascoyne will be equipped with body worn cameras.
The devices capture real-time audio and video and will strengthen community safety, and improve transparency and accountability in police interactions with the public.
The rollout of the cameras to the Mid West Gascoyne had originally been scheduled for next year, but was fast-tracked after a decision taken by the Commissioner of Police.
The Mid West Gascoyne is the second regional district to receive the cameras, with officers in the Pilbara fitted out with the devices in June.
Delivery of cameras to the Goldfields Esperance District is currently underway with the completion of rollout to that region expected in January.
Since the commencement of the body worn camera rollout, more than 80,000 video and camera files have been captured.
More than 4,000 body worn cameras will have been deployed to frontline officers by completion of the full rollout fit-out in November next year.
As stated by Police Minister Michelle Roberts:
“I’m really pleased Geraldton is among one of the first areas in WA that these body worn cameras are being rolled out.
“It shows how committed we are to ensuring our regional police are as well-equipped as their metropolitan counterparts in meeting the challenges of their duties.
“These cameras are an important tool to provide greater transparency and greater protection to both police and members of the community.
“I want to commend Commissioner Dawson for his leadership in prioritising the rollout of this cutting-edge technology.”
