Queensland rolls out 500 additional body-worn cameras for QCS

720 body-worn cameras are now in use throughout Queensland Corrective Services facilities, after funding was provided in last year’s state Budget. Officers at high-security correctional centres across the state, including the Escort and Security Branch’s Princess Alexandra Hospital Secure Unit, now have the use of cameras to help ensure their safety and the safety of prisoners.

Body-worn cameras deter antisocial behaviour and provide vital, contextual evidence when investigating incidents. They are now commonly used within law enforcement, correctional and security agencies across Australia. Deployed throughout each Queensland correctional facility, they act as an additional security measure, along with triple-layer perimeter fencing, controlled prisoner movement and extensive CCTV camera networks.

Minister for Police and Corrective Services Mark Ryan said correctional officers play an important role in reducing reoffending and making communities safer, and it is critical that they are given every support to undertake their work. “Body-worn cameras are an important tool at QCS officers’ disposal to help them safely manage some of Queensland’s most challenging, complex and often dangerous prisoners. As a result of additional funding in last year’s budget, 500 more body-worn cameras have been deployed to centres around the state,” Ryan said.

Paul Stewart APM, Commissioner of Queensland Corrective Services, said body-worn cameras are used as needed in high-risk areas or during critical incidents to keep staff, prisoners and visitors secure.

“Queensland Corrective Services is committed to supporting our Custodial Correctional Officers with the resources they need to ensure their own safety and the safety of prisoners.

“We have now more than tripled the number of body-worn cameras available to staff working in high-security centres, and at the Princess Alexandra Hospital Secure Unit, which enables them to carry out their duties effectively. I am continuously thankful for the hard work all of our officers do each day to manage those in our care and their efforts to keeping Queensland communities safe,” Stewart said.

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