NSW Police: Thousands of body worn cameras broken, defunct as force spends millions on upgrades, repairs

Hundreds of new body-worn cameras are being ordered for frontline NSW police officers as fresh figures reveal more than one-third of the force’s current cameras are ‘defunct’ or broken.

Serious tech issues are plaguing a key piece of equipment used by frontline NSW Police officers as figures show more than one-third of the force’s body worn camera devices are “defunct” or “broken” with hundreds more “failing” in the last financial year.

NSW Police figures have revealed just over half of the force’s 8427 body-worn cameras are currently operational and deployed to officers in the field to capture incidents such as suspects being detained during police arrests.

Of the total number of body-worn cameras, 2915 have been identified by police as “defunct” or broken and 1196 of the devices experienced failures that required repairs last financial year.

NSW Police is now spending millions replacing and upgrading cameras. This includes adding technology enabling cameras to be automatically switched on when Glock firearms are used.

Body worn cameras were introduced across NSW in 2015 as part of a NSW Government push to ensure incidents or events where visual and audio evidence can support an investigation are recorded.

The cameras are fitted to NSW Police uniforms.

The cameras are fitted to police uniforms and can be activated for use in operational policing activities or where recording is deemed in the public interest

A NSW Police spokeswoman said the number of broken or defunct cameras was a result of ageing technology.

She said the force has ordered 1000 new cameras that are awaiting delivery to police districts across the state.

Despite the high number of broken cameras, the police spokeswoman said uniform police officers engaged in duties of operational response have access to a body worn camera as required when on duty.

The cameras can be used to capture incidents such as arrests.

“Body worn cameras were initially purchased seven years ago and progressively replaced during that time frame leaving a percentage now reaching end of life,” she said.

“Unfortunately, this type of technology doesn’t last forever which is why we’re in the process of replacing the technology and in the meantime continuing to replace any damaged or outdated items.”

The cameras were introduced in 2015 following a trial of the technology

NSW Police Association president Kevin Morton said police officers should have access to the latest technology, including the latest body worn video camera and in car video equipment to enhance their ability to perform their duties.

Redfern Legal Centre solicitor Sam Lee said body-worn vision is an essential tool for both police officers and the public

“With the government set to introduce new police powers regarding knife possession, ensuring the proper functioning of body worn video cameras is imperative,” he said.

“They can significantly enhance the evidentiary process and contribute to fair and just outcomes.”

NSW Police said it was unable to confirm how much it has spent on replacing or repairing cameras in the last financial year due to “commercial” reasons

“NSW Police is currently in contract with MView and the disclosure of contractual arrangements is inappropriate at this time,” the spokeswoman said.

The figures come as NSW Police confirmed it is spending $96 million on an ‘Integrated Connected Officer’ program which includes upgrading Glock firearms and holsters with mechanisms to automatically activate body worn cameras when used.

The technology is expected to be rolled out in the second half of this year.

Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email [e-mail]