Body worn cameras

This page provides a summary of how body worn cameras are used within the Department for Environment and Water.

This page will help you understand:

why, when and how body worn cameras are used
what happens to the footage from body worn cameras
how you can access footage under Freedom of Information

Body worn cameras are devices that enable the recording of audio and video footage.

Compliance officers and rangers are authorised to take photographs, video and audio recordings under the powers outlined within the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 as well as other acts, including:

Compliance officers and some park rangers wear cameras as part of their uniform, to use while undertaking compliance and investigation activities when administering or enforcing legislation.

The use of body worn cameras are intended to:

support the safety of officers and rangers by encouraging safe and mutually respectful interactions
reduce disputes and enable complaints to be easily investigated and resolved
support transparency and accountability for officers and rangers while administering their duties and exercising their powers.

The footage captured by the body worn camera will assist our officers and rangers with their enquiries and investigations.

When officers and rangers may use body worn cameras

Officers and rangers may use cameras in the following circumstances:

when performing compliance duties as part of administering and enforcing the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972
when responding to events or performing duties in remote locations
when responding to a critical event such as a fatality, serious injury or dangerous incident
when responding to matters where there is an immediate or imminent risk to health and safety
where it has been identified that a person may display aggressive behaviours

How officers and rangers may use body worn cameras

While cameras will be part of an officer's or ranger’s uniform, they will not always be worn and operational and will only be used in accordance with strict government procedures when engaging with the public.

If worn and in use, the camera will be clearly visible on the front of the staff uniform. The camera will remain visible at all times during any interaction with members of the public.

Officers and rangers will clearly advise the person(s) being recorded of the presence of the camera and that it will be recording video and audio of their actions and conversations.

Operating a body worn camera

All officers and rangers have undertaken the required training to operate body worn cameras.

Frequently Asked Questions

Officers or rangers will note and record your objection to being recorded, however they can continue to record the interaction as they undertake their activities and exercise their powers under relevant laws.

The recordings captured by the body worn camera are stored in a secure evidence management system with controlled access.

The recordings will be managed in compliance with relevant legislation including the State Records Act 1997.

Footage will not be shared with external parties unless required by law.

Freedom of Information (FOI) provides members of the public a general right to make requests to access government information in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1991.

All requests for access to camera recordings under FOI must be directed to the Department for Environment and Water.

A fee is payable when making a freedom of information (FOI) application.

To request information from the Department for Environment and Water you must complete the hardcopy application form and lodge it:

Via post:

The Freedom of Information Officer
Department for Environment and Water
GPO Box 1047
Adelaide SA 5001

Via e-mail:

DEW.FOI@sa.gov.au

Or choose the online option:

Use the freedom of information request (SA GOV) (select Department for Environment and Water under Name of agency).

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Freedom of Information Officer on (08) 8429 9660 or visit the State Records of South Australia website.