Body-worn cameras to be activated when tyre spikes deployed following officer death

The death of Senior Constable David Masters who was deploying type spikes during a pursuit of an allegedly stolen car has led to the Queensland Police Service placing new restrictions around their use.

Body worn cameras are now to be activated any time tyre spikes are deployed following the on-duty slaying of a police officer.

The change is one of several implemented under the Queensland Police Service’s policy into the use of tyre deflation devices a week after the death of Deception Bay Senior Constable David Masters and a subsequent Workplace Health and Safety investigation into the circumstances surrounding his on-duty death.

In a written directive to all QPS officers, Deputy Commissioner Paul Taylor tightened the use of tyre spikes, or stingers, as of midnight July 4.

The updated policy, which was also broadcast over the police radio, highlights the need to record any deployment of the stingers and puts more onus on the officer who authorises their use.

“The use by police of a tyre deflation device brings with it risks, which if not carefully considered, and managed can result in death and serious injury,” Deputy Commissioner Taylor wrote.

Fortitude Valley police officers constable Greg Fairbrother and Senior Constable Jennelle the newly-introduced body worn cameras in 2016. The QPS is now requiring the cameras to be worn if tyre deflation devices are deployed. Picture: Claudia Baxter

“Accurate records of TDD use are critical to demonstrate risks have been appropriately considered and to facilitate the overview of TDD use for the purpose of continuous improvement.”

Senior Constable Masters, 53, was hit and killed about 3am June 26 as he deployed stingers in an attempt to stop an allegedly stolen car on the Bruce Highway near Burpengary.

The women allegedly fled the scene in the Hyundai Kona and were later charged with murder.

By July 1, Brett K. Heath from the Statewide Investigations branch of Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, part of the Office of Industrial Relations, served QPS with a notice stating Senior Constable Master’s death and the circumstances surrounding his death, including the use of TDD’s, was under investigation.

The notice was in addition to the QPS being charged, in February, with breaching the workplace health and safety laws after 26 officers were injured using road spikes while on the job between 2012 and 2019, according to an ABC report.

Senior Constable David (Dave) Masters with his beloved troop horse Manny at the Queensland Mounted Police Unit in 2018. Picture: Supplied.

That matter is set to return to the Brisbane Industrial Court later this year.

In the new police directive, Deputy Commissioner Taylor wrote the authorising officer would now be responsible for recording the detailed reasons as to why the use of TDD’s had been approved, the name of the deploying officer and their partner, and the result if the spikes are deployed.

The details are also now to be recorded on the Queensland Police Records and Information Management Exchange computer system, as well as on the Significant Event Message system, which is monitored by senior officers from regional duty officer and above.

Deputy Commissioner Taylor did not respond to a request for comment from The Courier-Mail on Wednesday, but a QPS spokeswoman said there had been no other changes in relation to the use of TDDs.

“TDDs are used by policing jurisdictions across Australia and around the world,” she said.

Queensland police officers comfort each other at the scene where 53-year-old Senior Constable David Masters was killed at Burpengary. Picture: Darren England/AAP

“The Queensland Police Service recognises TDDs as a highly effective tool for police in stopping offenders and preventing harm to the community.

“The use of body worn cameras to record high risk activities is consistent with existing police practices such as when officers deploy a taser or during high risk interactions with offenders.

“Footage captured of high-risk incidents enables officers to have an independent and accurate record of events.”

The spokeswoman said implementing the recordings would also assist QPS to improve policies and procedures to help keep officers and members of the community safe.

“The vast majority of officers deploying TDDs are operational frontline police who are very familiar with using body worn cameras,” she said.

“The QPS recently initiated the rollout of additional practical training sessions on TDD for frontline officers.

“Training is continuously reviewed in the context of any emerging issues, with emphasis being placed on safety, risk assessment and situational awareness.”

Senior Constable David Masters, 53, pictured with wife Sharon, was killed while on duty on June 26 as he tried to stop an allegedly stolen car with the use of tyre spikes. Picture: Facebook

Some police officers, who did not want to be named, expressed concern the tighter restrictions would lead to TDDs being used less often.

“They’ve put a lot more responsibility on district duty officers, so I bet the use (of TDDs) will now be a rarity,” one officer said.

The invitation-only funeral for Senior Constable Masters is scheduled to be held at 12.30pm Friday in Burpengary.

The funeral will be limited to 100 people, with a separate event for his colleagues where he will be commemorated with a guard of honour

The service will also be livestreamed.

The much-loved “larrikin” police officer joined the service in 2011 and spent much of his time in the Mounted Unit before moving to a general-duties role at Deception Bay.