Arabic version: شرطة نيو ساوث ويلز تُلزم عناصرها بتشغيل كاميرات الجسم أثناء المهام العملياتية

According to ABC News, thousands of NSW Police officers will be required from Wednesday to switch on body-worn cameras when exercising police powers. The policy says officers must immediately begin recording while working in an “operational capacity”.

The requirement applies in situations including the use of force, attendance at a serious crime and police pursuits. Officers who do not use a camera will have to provide a written account explaining why. NSW Police is promoting the change with the slogan: “When the job’s on, switch on.”

The policy follows a June Four Corners investigation into police brutality and concerns about how body-worn cameras were being used. The program documented cases in which officers allegedly activated cameras only after arrests, did not wear cameras, or repeatedly muted audio during an assault on a woman experiencing a severe mental health episode.

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission welcomed the change, which it had advocated for since 2023. Chief Commissioner Peter Johnson called it a “very important development in policing in NSW”, saying recordings can help keep officers and community members safe and support scrutiny where misconduct is alleged. NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson said the public could take some relief from the policy being included in standard operating procedures.