Victoria Police don't want to be recorded

Funnily enough! Switching the recorder off while you take a "bung" would be a bit sus, wouldn't it?

VICTORIAN police will trial using recording equipment attached to their uniforms to tape their interactions with the public.
Sign up for your free 2 month trial

The uniform cams will be tested out by police in Melbourne's southern region, Fairfax reports.

The police union criticised the trial, fearing it could make people reluctant to share information with police, and said information gathered could be used against officers in court.

Police Association assistant secretary Bruce McKenzie called on members not to volunteer for the trial, which he said was the first of its kind in Australia.

He told 3AW police were already accountable and adhered to strict protocols.

"Surely there is no necessity for yet another layer of accountability over the difficult work that our members do on behalf of the community on a day-to-day basis," Mr McKenzie said.

"I don't think there is too many of us who come to work for our work and our conversations to be the subject of constant video and audio recording."

Mr McKenzie said the association was worried footage could be used against police in court and build mistrust with the community.

The public could also be reluctant to provide information if they were being recorded.

"It just adds another layer of suspicion and unnecessary accountability to the relationship between the police and the public which is so important," he said.

Liberty Victoria, which has a history of campaigning against the use of surveillance cameras, said it could see some benefits.

Some highway patrol cars are already fitted with video devices and cameras will be fitted to Tasers, which will become standard issue.

Victoria Police says the idea is still in development and there is no date yet for when the trial will start.

A spokeswoman said individuals would always be given notice when the cameras are switched on.

SOURCE