MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday 3 June 2026
The Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited (ALS) welcomes a decision from NSW Police to mandate use of body-worn video whenever police officers are using their powers.
“The police brutality exposed in Monday night’s Four Corners program is inexcusable. Sadly, we are not shocked by it – too many of our clients, including children, have been subjected to police violence.
“We applaud the courage of our staunch clients and other victims of police violence who participated in this investigation, and acknowledge the work of our staff who support our clients in their fight for accountability and justice every day,” said Sharif Deen, Acting CEO.
“Aboriginal people have been speaking out about police violence and discrimination for generations. It’s long overdue that their voices and experiences were given the attention they deserve, and urgent action taken.”
The ALS has long advocated for stricter regulations around the use of police body-worn cameras. In 2018, the ALS recommended to a parliamentary review that continuous recording of all police-operated body-worn cameras should be mandated. This recommendation was not acted upon.
“We welcome steps to bring NSW into line with other states and ensure police body-worn cameras are used, but this alone isn’t enough to prevent police brutality. Police violence won’t be reckoned with until there is independent oversight of police misconduct.
“As we have said before, it’s neither appropriate nor effective for police to investigate themselves. How many more of these stories will never see the light of day? We continue to call for robust, fully resourced and independent police accountability for NSW. Police should never investigate police,” Mr Deen said.
NSW Police confirmed to the ABC that changes will be made requiring body-worn cameras to be recording when police are using a power.
The Four Corners report that is referenced in this media release can be found at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-01/brutal-force-four-corners/106746408
