RSPCA Victoria inspectors equipped with body cameras when investigating reports of animal cruelty

RSPCA inspectors will be equipped with the same bodycams currently being trialled by paramedics in a bid to improve the safety of frontline staff at the organisation.

RSPCA inspectors will wear the same digital bodycams currently being trialled by paramedics in a bid to improve the safety of frontline staff at the organisation.

Animal welfare inspectors across Victoria will now be equipped with specialised body cameras whenever investigating reports of animal cruelty.

An independent review of the Victorian Inspectorate revealed widespread concerns for the safety of inspectors in the field.

RSPCA FACES INDEPENDENT REVIEW

According to RSPCA records, staff at the Inspectorate had experienced 58 injuries, 14 ‘near misses’, 27 instances where violence had been threatened and 22 incidents involving property damage while undertaking their duties since 2011.

RSPCA Victoria inspector Michelle Green wearing new body camera. Picture: Supplied

Acting chief operating officer Tegan McPherson said the role of inspectors was often volatile.

“Body cameras are worn by law enforcement officers all over the world and research indicates that they act as a deterrence for violence and increase officers’ safety,” Ms McPherson said.

“Given the fluid and often volatile role of an RSPCA Victoria Inspector, body cameras will be worn whenever the inspectors are on duty,” she said.

RSPCA UNDER FIRE FROM DUCK HUNTERS

The increased safety measures are part of the number of reforms being rolled out by the RSPCA in response to last year’s review by former police commissioner Neil Comrie.

Ms McPherson said the response from inspectors had been overwhelmingly positive.

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