Body Worn Cameras

Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) have been introduced to enhance safety and transparency in our community. 

We have introduced Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) for authorised officers, aiming to bolster transparency and accountability in our interactions with the public. Frankston City Council is one of many councils across Victoria to invest in this technology. These cameras are exclusively used by authorised personnel, such as law enforcement officers and council representatives. It's important to note that BWCs are not intended for monitoring residents, but rather, their primary purpose is to record interactions between authorised officers and the public while upholding privacy rights. 

BWCs will be utilised at various scenarios, including public events, routine patrols, emergency situations, investigating complaints against officers, in training, and when de-escalating potentially volatile encounters. Our goal through implementing BWCs is to foster safer communities, promote accountability, and maintain a transparent and professional approach to compliance and enforcement activities. 

The presence of BWCs acts as a powerful deterrent against offenses and anti-social behavior, providing an additional layer of protection and facilitating de-escalation in potentially volatile situations. Furthermore, BWCs offer objective evidence for legal proceedings, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of enforcement processes. They play a vital role in investigations involving incidents, ensuring thorough and fact-based inquiries. 

For more on BWCs, call us on 1300 322 322.

The following FAQ section may answer your questions:

In what situations will the BWCs be used? Can you give examples?

Authorised Officers will activate camera recording in accordance with the Body Worn Camera Procedure in the following circumstances: 

  1. Where they have a reasonable concern for their safety or welfare (or that of another person).
  2. If an occupational health and safety incident occurs or their assessment indicates the occurrence of an incident is imminent.
  3. To investigate and gather evidence of a non-compliance of an Act, legislation or local law the Council is responsible for
  4. To complement the collection of objective evidence to assist with investigations involving allegations made against Council Officers.
  5. As directed by their supervisor for purposes related to safety or welfare of employees or other persons.
  6. As directed by their supervisor for training purposes where none of the above apply and all participants have been informed the reason for the activation and have consented to participation in the training.
  7. Body worn cameras may be used to record interviews of an accused person if under caution which occur at a Council Office or a Police Station. Prior to the accused being cautioned, body worn cameras can and should be used to capture verbal evidence such as admissions.
  8. If use of the camera is required within a private dwelling, Officers must gain permission of the property owner unless a search warrant is being executed. 
  9. There may be situations where the use of a body worn camera may not be appropriate and Officers will use professional judgment and discretion regarding recording interactions as per the Body Worn Camera Procedure. 

How do the BWCs act as a deterrent against offenses and anti-social behavior?

It’s known to deescalate an aggressive situation when the aggressor realizes that there is a body worn camera filming their behaviour. 

What will happen to my data? Who can access it? How long will it be stored? Can I access my Data?

All footage recorded by a body worn camera will be downloaded and stored in a secure electronic location with strict controls, restricted access and protected from unauthorised viewing, copying, alteration and disclosure. 

Council will ensure that its record keeping practices comply with the Public Records Office Standards for the management of public records, Public Records Office Specifications and the Public Records Act 1973 

A file not marked as ‘evidential’, has been deemed not required for evidence purposes and will be automatically deleted from the system after 30 days.  

An evidential file which has been used for enforcement proceedings through the courts cannot be destroyed before a period of 27 years.

An evidential file used in enforcement proceedings external to courts (for example, by way of infringement or notices to comply) cannot be destroyed before a period of 27 years 

Recorded data may be provided to a third party on the condition that the third party has an official role in investigating and/or prosecuting the incident or, as authorised by privacy law. 

Data that is collected from the use of the BWC’s is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

How will BWC footage be used to investigate complaints?

Complaints received from the public or from staff will be viewed by the appropriate and authorized person and determine if a complaint can be established.

Are the cameras always on?

The device is in the ‘pre-record mode’ at all times when on operational duty. 

Officers must restrict recording to only areas and persons necessary in an attempt to minimise and avoid intrusion to those not involved.  

Do I get notified if the camera has been turned on?

Officers may, when safe to do so, inform the other parties that they are being recorded - this notification should be captured on the BWC. However there is a clear light indicator on the camera that highlights the camera is recording.

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