Draft Body-worn Camera Policy

At the Council Meeting held on Wednesday 06 March 2024, Hindmarsh Shire Council resolved to give public notice of its Body-worn Camera Policy and invite written submissions from the public in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020 and Council’s Community Engagement Policy.

Council will consider submissions and adoption of the Body-worn Camera Policy at the Council Meeting at 3:00pm on Wednesday 03 April 2024 at the Council Chambers at 92 Nelson Street, Nhill.

Such submissions must be received before 5pm on Thursday 21 March 2024.

Purpose of the Policy:
This policy provides guidance to Authorised Officers, employees, elected representatives, and other stakeholders on the ethical, lawful and efficient use of body-worn cameras (BWCs) and recorded data.

Body-worn camera technology is used by the Council to promote and maintain a safe work environment (e.g. by discouraging and documenting occupational violence) and will assist Authorised Officers in carrying out their operational tasks related to investigation of breaches of Acts, regulations and the Hindmarsh Shire Council Municipal Local Laws.

Any person requiring further information concerning the Body-worn Camera Policy should contact Petra Croot, Manager People and Performance, on 03 5391 4444.

Outcome of consultation:

Following the consultation closing on Thursday 21 March 2023, to give Council adequate time to consider community members’ concerns, presentation of the Body-worn Camera Policy for Council consideration was delayed to the Council Meeting held on 8 May 2024. Community members who made submissions to the Policy were given the opportunity to speak to their submission at the Council Meetings held on 3 April 2024 and 8 May 2024.

At the Council meeting held 8 May 2024, following consideration of all submissions received, Council adopted the Body-worn Camera Policy with minor amendments to section 5.3. You can view the final adopted policy by clicking here.