Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says he is determined to see body-worn cameras introduced during his watch, describing them as a long-overdue reform that could improve officer safety, wellbeing, transparency and the quality of evidence gathered by police 

Addressing delegates to the Police Association’s annual conference, the commissioner said progress on body-worn cameras, officer wellbeing and faster employment investigations were among his highest priorities.

His main concerns aligned closely with this year’s conference theme: Fit mind: Fit for duty – Resilience, wellbeing and performance in every policing role.

The commissioner said Police must now focus on a small number of priorities that would make a tangible difference to staff.

“I’m really determined to ensure that next year we make good progress on body-worn cameras,” he said. “It really troubles me that Corrections have got body-worn cameras, parking wardens in our country have got body-worn cameras, and the police don’t.”

While Police is still assessing technology options and developing a potential business case, he went further than previous comments by again personally committing to the programme.

“I'm determined to ensure that they are implemented during my time as the commissioner,” he told delegates.

Police is already undertaking market research into what a national body-worn camera capability could look like for about 11,000 staff, including authorised officers. The technology being considered includes encrypted recording, automated activation, livestreaming, translation capability and integration with a wider digital evidence management system.

The commissioner said cameras would deliver multiple benefits.

“I know whether it’s evidentially, or it’s the safety aspect, or it’s the transparency, when those [cameras are operating], it’s hard to argue with footage and audio.”

He also linked cameras directly to staff wellbeing, saying they would help police counter misinformation and provide a clearer account of incidents that can later become subject to scrutiny.

“We are exposed to so much nonsense and rubbish at times that I think we can tell our own story better, and body-worn cameras will assist us with that.”

Wellbeing remains key

Despite the attention on cameras, wellbeing dominated most of the commissioner’s address.

He told delegates the issue that troubled him most was not staff already receiving regular psychological support, but those quietly struggling without seeking help.

“[What] worries me is the ones who are battling on, day and night, and aren’t saying something, and they’re the ones where tragedies often happen.”

He said Police was exploring ways to expand wellbeing checks and support services across the entire organisation, even if that required additional investment.

He also spoke about personally contacting staff assaulted while carrying out their duties, revealing he had phoned six frontline officers the previous day after incidents involving punching, kicking and spitting.

“No-one turns up to work to be punched, kicked, spat at,” he said.

Faster investigations

The second major wellbeing issue the commissioner identified was the length of employment and criminal investigations involving Police staff.

He said lengthy investigations were having significant impacts on employees, their families and work colleagues, and reiterated targets he had previously set of resolving employment matters within 60 days and criminal investigations within 90 days wherever possible.

“It really troubles me that we have matters taking as long as they’re taking,” he said. “It's not good for anyone.”

While acknowledging Police remained a long way from meeting those goals, he said he was putting pressure on leaders to reduce aged cases and make decisions faster.

Fixing woeful stations

During question time, the commissioner also faced criticism over ageing and inadequate Police facilities, particularly in Blenheim.

Responding to concerns from Tasman delegates, he conceded some stations were operating in unacceptable conditions and said years of underinvestment had left Police dealing with a substantial infrastructure backlog.

“I wouldn’t be happy at all if I was standing in your position asking the same question,” he said.

He identified Blenheim, Nelson, Gore, Hamilton and Hawke’s Bay among sites requiring significant attention and said Police would continue seeking additional capital funding.

“We are dealing now with the consequences of underinvestment over many years,” he said.