Southern Downs Regional Council says its Local Law and compliance officers are now wearing the latest in safety technology – The Axon Body Camera.
A statement released today, Thursday 15 February, said in a bid to improve workplace health and safety “council first undertook a small trial of cameras in recent years but until now the technology wasn’t widely used”.
“The major roll-out comes with an improved data gathering and cloud based storage system and means the cameras are now a standard part of Local Law and compliance officer uniforms,” the statement said.
“Axon Body Worn cameras are worn by law enforcement agencies and Councils around the world.”
SDRC Director of Planning Environment and Corporate Services Ken Harris said the cameras will increase the safety and security of council officers working in the field and ensure organisational credibility.
“The rollout of Axon body wearing cameras is in keeping with SDRC’S ongoing commitment to the safety and compliance of its staff,” Mr Harris said.
“The initiative ensures we are equipping our Local Laws and compliance officers with the correct tools to be able to perform their duties as efficiently and safely as possible, as well as any other staff who may be undertaking inspections under various regulations and acts.”]
Mr Harris said footage of all officer interactions with the public would be recorded but only viewed if deemed necessary.
“The new system ensures organisational accountability, provides data and improved compliance and also ensures evidence in is available where investigations are undertaken,” he said.
“The technology means council has the capacity to investigate complaints made against field officers with clear evidence of what occurred.”
