Dr WOODRUFF - Also, on body worn cameras at Ashley, are all officers wearing them? I understand they are only being rolled out as a trial, but it should not be a trial if the recommendation from the commission, recommendation 12.17, is fully accepted.
Mr JAENSCH - We have been working towards having body worn cameras as part of what happens at Ashley since the interim report and the publication about Keeping Kids Safe plan which we have updated. I understand that the trial of body worn cameras is due to commence shortly. There have been considerable -
Dr WOODRUFF - Why is it a trial?
Mr JAENSCH - There have been considerable hurdles to be overcome with regard to how information is kept and held. I understand this has to do with legislation and also some negotiations with unions and others regarding how the information that is captured using body worn cameras is held and who has access to it and those issues. When that is cleared and we are able to move into a trial, then it will be testing how and when we use it, and getting used to operationalising that technology. Ms Burgess may have more to report.
Ms BURGESS - Yes, we have undertaken a fair bit of research on the use of body worn cameras in the context of youth detention and we have also sought legal advice on that. At the moment, the way we are undertaking the trial is in limited circumstances when there is an incident and we are responding to that.
The reason it is a trial is that we do need to make sure that we are responding and reflecting both to the procedures and the process. Therefore, it is not so much about what is the longevity of this; it is how we use them most effectively to ensure that the rights of the children are upheld and also, so they know what is happening. Part of this is also about the communication.
Dr WOODRUFF - Are all officers wearing them?
CHAIR - The time for scrutiny has expired. The next minister for scrutiny is the Attorney-General. We will resume after a five-minute break.
