Ballarat has become just the second Victorian policing area to have its members equipped with the new cameras as part of a six-week trial which began last week in Epping.

The pilot program will be used to create policies surrounding the use of the cameras which are planned to be rolled out statewide by 2020.

Regional Superintendent Jenny Wilson said the cameras would be particularly useful in helping with the court process.

“From Ballarat’s point of view, we’re excited that we can help formulate the policy for the state,” Superintendent Wilson said.

“There’s lot of advantages. The cameras are turned on when the police are enacting legislation such as intercepting a vehicle and making an arrest.”

In March 2016 the Royal Commission into Family Violence recommended that Victoria Police conduct a trial of the use of body worn cameras to collect statements and other evidence from family violence crime scenes.

“Importantly, the roll out is bringing into play recommendation 58 of the Royal Commission and so there is a real aspect that will be very important here. It will enhance those proceedings,” Superintendent Wilson said.

“They’ll be able to translate those incidents into the courtroom which sometimes gets lost in translation.

“The cameras we believe will really help with safety and transparency within the community.”

Commander Russell Barrett said the camera roll-out will provide a significant assistance to police. “Body worn cameras are being used to great effect in other states such as Queensland and New South Wales and we are looking forward to seeing the benefits of this in Victoria,” Commander Barrett said.

“The public will know when cameras are recording as there will be a flashing red light.

“Police will not be able to delete or alter the footage and it will be stored for a minimum of 90 days.”