Hon Peter Collier, on behalf of Hon Simon O'Brien, questions the Minister for Police regarding guidelines and authorisation processes for releasing body-worn camera footage to the public, specifically referencing the Esperance high-risk arrest. The Minister confirms a case-by-case approach and outlines the authorisation process.

AnsweredQoN 412Legislative Council
Asked
13 May 2020
Portfolio
Police

QuestionView source ↗

POLICE —
BODY-WORN CAMERAS
412. Hon PETER COLLIER to
the minister representing the Minister for Police:
My question without notice is asked
on behalf of Hon Simon O'Brien, who is on urgent parliamentary
business.
I refer to the appearance on news
programs and social media of video footage from body cameras worn by police
officers, such as the recent Esperance high-risk arrest.
(1) Are there any guidelines about
when it is appropriate to release such material to the public?
(2) Who
authorises the release of such material to the public, and, specifically, at
what level was the release of the Esperance material approved?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank Hon Simon O'Brien
for some notice of the question. The following answer has been provided to me
by the Minister for Police.
(1) The Western Australia
Police Force advise there are no specific guidelines. Decisions to release
material are made on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration objectives
of informing the public of matters of public interest.
(2) Authorisation
rests with the media and corporate communications director and the Western Australia
Police Force executive. On this occasion, the release was discussed between the
media and corporate communications acting director and the deputy commissioner.

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