Body Worn Cameras

Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) are now used by all NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers (SCOs) as part of operational equipment. BWCs recordings must only be used for official purposes and not for any private use.

What is a BWC?

A BWC is an individual, portable device worn by an SCO that collects video and audio recordings of intercepts and other interactions with members of the transport industry. 

The BWC must be worn so it is clearly visible on the body of the SCO, who must be clearly identifiable as a NHVR officer, including wearing an approved NHVR uniform or other form of suitable identification.

BWC recordings may be used in future investigations or as evidence in prosecutions. The recordings may also be used as part of internal reviews, investigations and post incident reviews.

Why does the NHVR use BWCs?

Recording events as they occur enables us to gather evidence. Some of the other benefits include:

  • improving the safety of both NHVR officers and members of the transport industry by encouraging safe and mutually respectful interactions
  • assisting with the accurate and impartial collection of video and audio evidence
  • aiding in the timely resolution of disputes and complaints
  • ensuring compliance with evidence management legislative requirements.

When are BWCs Used?

We use BWCs to visually and audibly record all intercepts, on-road interactions and interviews with heavy vehicle drivers, operators and persons involved in transport activities. Only under limited circumstances will an NHVR officer turn off a BWC (for example, during court proceedings).

What happens to the footage?

All recordings are property of the NHVR. Footage is uploaded at the end of each shift and retained in a secure digital evidence management system, according to evidence management requirements. Footage is disposed of after the legislated retention period. 

Information recorded during the use of a BWC must comply with legal requirements for the recording, collection, storage and use of electronic data and images.

BWC footage is only released or distributed upon application and in compliance with relevant legislation. Access to BWC footage is restricted, monitored and auditable.

Can footage be edited or deleted by the officer?

To protect the integrity of evidence, there is no ability to delete footage that has been captured on a BWC. Recordings will only be deleted when the records retention period has been met.

Footage can only be edited under very specific circumstances, for example when it has been captured in error.

How can I access Body Worn Camera footage?

If you’d like to know anything further about the NHVR’s use of BWCs you can send an email to operational.support@nhvr.gov.au

To request access to information held by the NHVR, including BWC footage, visit our Right to Information page.