Racing Victoria set to roll out body worn cameras for stewards and compliance officers

Racing Victoria is set to introduce police-style body worn cameras for stewards and compliance officers in a move to uphold “integrity of our sport”.

Body worn cameras are a staple of modern law enforcement. Picture: Alison Wynd

Police-style body worn cameras will form part of Racing Victoria’s integrity arsenal from next week.

News Corp has obtained an industry notice sent to licensed and registered participants on Thursday about RV’s “commitment to continually improve the integrity of our sport”.

The mail-out signed by RV executive general manager integrity Jamie Stier included:

“The use of Body Worn Cameras by our Stewards, Equine Welfare Officers and Compliance Assurance Team members will occur when they are exercising their powers under the Rules of Racing.

“This will include, but not be limited to: gathering evidence; interviewing a licensed or registered person; or when attending a licensed property to conduct an equine welfare visit or stable inspection.”

The cameras will not be worn in RV inquiry and stewards’ rooms on race day.

Body worn cameras, a staple of modern policing organisations, are already used by Greyhound Racing Victoria and Harness Racing Victoria integrity services.

“Ultimately, the use of Body Worn Cameras aims to create greater accountability and transparency throughout the industry,” the industry notice said.

“A frequently asked questions resource and further details relating to your rights with regards to the use of Body Worn Cameras by our integrity team members will be provided in the coming week.”

The cameras are worn by police to capture real time audio and video of interactions with the public.

The footage can be used as evidence in court and for investigative purposes.

RV’s investigative arm has come under immense scrutiny the past six months, following the bungled case against a Cranbourne trainer and two stable employees.

Fallout from the failed prosecution, linked to the conduct of two stewards during a Victorian Racing Tribunal hearing, triggered a separate inquiry by the Racing Integrity Commissioner Sean Carroll.

Carroll’s found the CAT stewards before the inquiry “had limited knowledge of investigation principles”.

“The ‘standard investigation practices’ adopted by the Stewards at Cranbourne on 5 November 2019 provided the opportunity for the investigation to be compromised from the outset which, in my view, ultimately contributed to the application to withdraw the charges,” Carroll reported in June.

“Additionally, these CAT members had limited investigation qualifications, and historically, RV stewards have received minimal formal specialist investigation education or training.”

NURSERY OUT IF FLEMINGTON GETS ‘GREEN LIGHT’ FOR CUP CARNIVAL CROWDS

FLEMINGTON has aborted plans to incorporate the famous Nursery car park as one of four potential zones to host crowds during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The decision was based on the logistics needed to ensure a Covid-safe space for spectators, should statewide vaccination rates exceed 80 per cent double dose in time for the four-day carnival.

Nursery tickets are among the most sought-after of all during Cup Week, especially for the social set.

As the Herald Sun reported on Wednesday, Victoria Racing Club is hoping to get the green light as early as next week for a maximum crowd of up to 11,500 people per day.

The 2000-3500-capped capacity zones included in the VRC’s plan lodged with the State Government, includes the members stand, the lawn and stadium-seating just past the winning post.

Owners will be incorporated in one of the zones.

If there are any crowds at the VRC spring carnival The Nursery won’t be hosting anyone. Picture: AAP Image – David Crosling

The “yellow” racing bubble – for participants, race day officials and media – is the fourth zone.

VRC chief executive Steve Rosich reaffirmed on Thursday vaccination rates – 80 per cent double dose – would ultimately decide Flemington’s fate.

“Those plans we‘re very comfortable in being able to execute and I’m very sure we’ll be able to deliver a safe environment for everyone on course,” Rosich said.

“To be able to bring that to life there‘s a number of factors at play, not least vaccination rates across the community, which will enable the government to consider relaxing broader community rules.

“We respect and understand that opening up a major event, the Melbourne Cup Carnival, to crowds is a privilege and it‘s dependent on what’s capable of being conducted in the broader community.”

Victoria recorded a record 1438 new Covid cases on Thursday – up more than 500 on the previous day – but vaccination, not cases is said to be the decisive metric.

“Our job is to be ready, so that’s what our focus is,” Rosich said.

“Our focus is to have a plan, which we do, to be ready to execute that plan, which we will be … we remain very positive.”

Members and major stakeholders will be prioritised based on tenure with VRC and level of support.

With 11,500 spectators each day the club is hopeful every member will get the chance to attend at least one of the major race days.

Flemington will be guided by the State Government on whether vaccination will be a requirement for spectators, in line with other social settings like hospitality venues and events.

“We’ll be required to comply with whatever the government suggests and they’re still formalising that, we expect to have the framework on all those parameters within the next week,” Rosich said.

“If it ends up being a fully vaccinated event, my assumption would be it would be a requirement of your (member) booking to stipulate you qualify in that regard.

“That detail is still to be worked through, if indeed it‘s required.”

Originally published as Racing Victoria set to roll out body worn cameras for stewards and compliance officers