Northbridge revelers will have to do their best as hundreds of police officers in Perth’s CBD are equipped with body cameras streaming the footage straight to the station.
After a successful trial of the new technology in recent weeks, more than 350 officers will now wear next-gen body-worn cameras while on the beat.
Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Region, Allan Adams, said the new cameras would help officers in high-pressure situations and teach them how to better deal with them in the future.
“It adds another level of surveillance and development, especially that situational awareness of what police officers are doing,” Mr. Adams said. “It increases the quality of policing wherever these devices exist.”
At least 80 percent of current body-worn cameras are already being activated at jobs showing how crucial they are in the fight against crime – especially in Northbridge and Perth’s CBD, where Mr. Adams said police presence was significantly increased.
Camera IconNorthbridge revelers will have to do their best as hundreds of police officers in Perth’s CBD are equipped with body cameras streaming the footage straight to the station. Credit: Simon Santi/The West Australian Camera Icon More than 350 officers will now wear next-gen body-worn cameras while on the road, following a successful trial of the new technology in recent weeks. Credit: Simon Santi/The West AustralianCamera IconMetropolitan Region Assistant Commissioner Allan Adams said the new cameras would help officers in high-pressure situations and teach them how to handle them better in the future. Credit: WA Police/Delivered
However, alcohol-fuelled violence and chaos continue to wreak havoc on the streets of the city’s nightlife areas.
In one of the most recent violent incidents, former AFL player Brennan Stack was charged with a sickening assault on two mothers in Northbridge, which left them with serious head and face injuries in March.
Stack admitted he was behind the cowardly attack and remains behind bars as he awaits his next trial in July.
In April, two young men were caught punching and arguing while queuing for Paramount nightclub – a notorious hot spot for violence.
Camera icon In one of the most recent violent incidents, former AFL player Brennan Stack was charged with a sickening assault on two mothers in Northbridge, which left them with serious head and face injuries in March. At least 80 percent of current body-worn cameras are already activated at jobs, showing how crucial they are in the fight against crime – particularly in Northbridge and Perth’s CBD, where Mr. Adams said a significant increase in police officers present. Credit: WA Police/Delivered Camera Icon Police Secretary Paul Papalia, right, and Metropolitan Region Deputy Commissioner Allan Adams. Credit: Simon Santi/The West Australian
For minutes, the pair screamed and tried in vain to hit each other before the fight escalated into the busy street, holding up the furious traffic before guards temporarily separated the couple.
While the cameras will be used to increase the safety of officers and Western Australians, they will also ensure that they comply with the law, with the footage being used in legal proceedings.
In March of this year, an officer discovered he had no right to arrest a teenage girl after bodycam footage supported the fact that there was “no evidence” that she was behaving “disorderly or recklessly” on the streets of Northbridge in 2019.
The teen was successful in her appeal and was acquitted of her charges.
Police Minister Paul Papalia said the new cameras would give officers “greater situational awareness” when faced with large crowds.
“You can see how it would be used in the event of a large crowd. You can have officers in different places in the group, and the commando will get a much clearer picture of what’s happening and possibly respond to new threats or challenges more efficiently.
“For the officers on the ground, it provides them with reassurance that the command can see what is happening and potentially respond with assistance or additional resources. †