NSW Police now required to turn on body-worn cameras when 'the job's on'

From today, thousands of NSW Police officers will be mandated to activate their body-worn cameras while performing their duties. The policy came into effect following a Four Corners investigation in June that exposed shocking instances of police misconduct and criticism over the inconsistent use of body-worn cameras. The policy stipulates that officers must start recording when in an "operational capacity," which includes actions such as using force, addressing serious crimes, or participating in police chases.

If officers fail to activate their cameras, they must submit a written explanation for their non-compliance. The directive, promoted under the slogan "When the job's on, switch on," aims to enhance transparency and accountability. In June, Four Corners's investigation highlighted cases where officers either did not switch on their cameras until after arresting individuals, did not wear cameras at all, or in one case, deliberately muted the audio during a brutal assault on a woman experiencing mental health issues.

The program was deemed "confronting" and a "highlight reel of use at its worst" by NSW Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter. A review prompted the change, with NSW Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter stating that standard operating procedures for body-worn video would be revised to facilitate improvements. Previously, both NSW and WA were among the states where police body-worn camera usage was optional rather than mandatory.

The move received support from the NSW Police watchdog, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC). LECC Chief Commissioner Peter Johnson described the implementation as a "very important development in policing in NSW," and the LECC had been advocating for mandatory body-worn cameras since 2023. The change was also recommended by a 2025 review that identified numerous incidents involving officers who failed to activate their cameras and a case where an officer allegedly destroyed incriminating footage by throwing the camera into water.

According to Johnson, the recording of interactions between police and community members promotes safety for both parties and improves officer accountability. NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson welcomed the change, acknowledging it as a relief for the public, albeit noting that the implementation was delayed by a harrowing Four Corners episode.

She also attributed the change to the persistent efforts of the LECC and advocates with firsthand experience of police misconduct.