Military Police Expand Body-Worn Cameras Nationwide

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The Joint Military Police Unit (JMPU) will deploy body-worn cameras (BWCs) across Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory starting September 2025, enhancing accountability in Australian Defence Force (ADF) policing.

From September 2025, the Joint Military Police Unit will expand its use of body-worn cameras to Victoria, the ACT, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory, incorporating the technology into standard policing operations. Following a successful trial in Queensland, where BWCs are already in use, the rollout is designed to enhance transparency and build trust in military policing practices. The cameras will record both audio and visual footage during interactions, aligning military protocols with those of civilian law enforcement agencies.

Captain Glenn Kerr, Provost Marshal of the Australian Defence Force and commander of the JMPU, has emphasized that the expansion supports the ADF’s commitment to accountability and professional conduct. The JMPU is responsible for law enforcement, security, and detention operations within the Defence Force and holds jurisdiction over all ADF members, including reservists on active service.

The expansion follows positive outcomes from Queensland’s BWC use, including reduced complaints and improved evidence collection. These results mirror findings in civilian policing, such as a 2023 study in the Journal of Experimental Criminology, which highlighted improved operational efficiency through BWC usage. However, concerns about privacy and data security have been raised by some advocacy groups, prompting calls for clear data governance policies.

To address these concerns, the JMPU will enforce protocols requiring overt camera use and visible indicators during recording. This approach mirrors civilian police procedures and is intended to maintain transparency and respect individual rights. The Albanese government has not publicly responded to data protection concerns, although the Department of Defence has confirmed that appropriate policies will be in place.

The deployment of body-worn cameras underscores the ADF’s effort to modernize military policing and align with contemporary expectations for law enforcement accountability, while ensuring that discipline and trust remain at the forefront of operations across Australia’s defence landscape.