The NSW police force has been allocated $100 million over four years in the NSW Budget 2015-16 to rollout technology including fingerprint scanners and body worn video cameras.
The funding may be allocated towards equipment such as:
- Tablet computers for frontline officers allowing them to access police computer data in the field
- Mobile fingerprint scanners that would allow identification of offenders
- TruNarc testing machines to allow police to scan for multiple narcotics using a hand held machine.
NSW deputy premier and minister for police Troy Grant said the fund will allow police to prioritise new innovations in crime-fighting equipment based on operational needs.
“These funds will future-proof the NSW police force to ensure police have access to the latest and most innovative ways to respond to crime, freeing them up to spend more time on the beat, protecting the community,’ he said in a statement.
According to Grant, the fund will also allow police to put in bids for "major technological advances."
The funding also includes $3.65 million for the continued rollout of body-worn video cameras for frontline police officers. NSW police began using the video cameras in May 2014.
“Body-worn video cameras have been hugely successful for police and will better protect the community and officers when responding to crime,” said Grant.
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