It’s candid camera

By Shaun Inguanzo
VIDEO cameras in police cars will be a reality in Greater Dandenong, according to the region’s top cop.
Region Five Assistant Commissioner Paul Evans this week confirmed that video cameras mounted in police cars would be rolled out among the state’s Traffic Management Units, including Greater Dandenong’s.
Mr Evans said he did not know when the roll-out would begin.
Reports surfaced over the weekend speculating that the cameras would appear as early as June. But Mr Evans told Star that Victoria Police had been testing the cameras for some time.
“We’ve had cameras in cars in the past as a trial,” he said.
“Now, over a period of time, we will move towards installing them in more vehicles.”
Mr Evans said the benefits of video footage would eventually be seen in the courtroom.
“Depending on the situation it provides direct evidence of particular situations and can also negate any complaints,” he said.
“Sometimes we might get complaints from people of indecent language or assault by police.
“The fact the incident will be videotaped means we can resolve it totally.”
Mr Evans also confirmed that police were looking towards its members wearing microphones, for further evidence.
He said it was “nothing new” as police had been recording interviews and using microcassette recorders for years.
“Again, it is for evidence and quite often people, from time to time, say something that may not have occurred.”
Meanwhile, Mr Evans said that police had begun its roll-out of new cars based on the new Holden VE Commodore.
The cars bear lower profile lights, which from a distance make their identity more discrete.
But Mr Evans said the design was the result of “aerodynamics” research.
Mr Evans said the new Commodore would be used for the colourful Highway Patrol vehicles, as well as unmarked traffic cars.