Police to trial submission of digital evidence in family violence cases

Media has reported that New Zealand Police are planning to trial the use of digital evidence in courts in family violence cases.

Police have been issued with 15,000 iPads and iPhones since a drive to provide Police with modern mobile technology began in 2012.

Police will be able to submit evidence to courts which was recorded on iPads and iPhones. The devices are also planned to be used to instantly update victims of serious and sexual assaults on the results of bail hearings, in cases where bail had been opposed.

The initiative seeks to save Police time on administration and paperwork, and may pave the way for wider use of digital material.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush said he saw the trial as creating "huge advantages for victims" but noted significant challenges in storing and managing the collected data, especially for use within courts. He said "Storing it is one thing, moving it is another; then there is maintaining the security of that evidence and moving it into a court environment - these are all the challenges that we have to overcome."

Vodafone recently opened a new laboratory in Wellington to work with Police and four other technology partners on increasing the use of devices.

Police are also reportedly considering the use of body cameras, and are examining the results of a trial conducted in Britain and talking to their Australian counterparts.

Media

New on-body cameras for Corrections officers, Beehive, 24.06.2015

Police body cameras are newest tool against domestic violence, StarTribune, 26.04.2015

Apps for officers keep victims in the loop, Stuff, 09.12.2014