Body-worn cameras (BWC) have been introduced for use by Ministry of Justice Bailiffs.

This page details why we are using BWCs and how we collect, use, store and release the information gathered (BWC footage).

Why we use BWCs

We use BWCs to record a Bailiff visit and:

  • help keep Bailiffs and the people they visit safe
  • deter verbal threats and physical violence against Bailiffs
  • improve transparency and accountability
  • enable complaints to be fully investigated and resolved
  • provide opportunities for staff training and development.

Some reasons a Bailiff may visit a property include:

  • serving court documents
  • actioning a Warrant to Seize Property for overdue fines or civil debt
  • actioning a Warrant to Arrest for overdue fines or civil debt
  • carrying out an eviction ordered by the Tenancy Tribunal.

How we look after BWC footage

We follow the Privacy Act 2020 in the way we collect, use, store and release BWC footage.

Collecting BWC footage

BWCs are activated to record each time a Bailiff visits a person at their home or place of business.

The Bailiff begins recording just before they approach a property and stop recording when they leave the property.

Bailiffs will advise each person they interact that their BWC is recording. The same information, including a short privacy statement, is visible in print next to the BWC.

The BWC has a front-facing screen, so the person being visited can see what is being recorded.

Using BWC footage

The footage gathered by BWC can only be used for the purposes listed below:

  • health and safety incident investigation
  • complaint investigation
  • training and quality assessment
  • Privacy Act/Official Information Act requests
  • prosecution evidence.

Only a limited number of people within the Ministry of Justice (Ministry) can access BWC footage.

Storing BWC footage

BWC footage is stored securely within Ministry systems.

Footage is deleted after 90 days, unless the Ministry determines there is a reason to keep it (for example, a complaint investigation or health and safety incident).

Releasing BWC footage

Anyone can request a copy of any footage recorded by a BWC. The Ministry will consider requests on a case-by-case basis, following the Privacy Act 2020 or Official Information Act 1982.

Please send requests for footage to the Ministry of Justice:

When you make a request, you should provide the information listed below, to allow us to locate the footage and assess your request:

  • your name
  • your contact information (phone number and/or email address)
  • your cellphone number (you need to provide this for the Ministry to securely send you access details for any footage that may be released)
  • your case reference number (if applicable)
  • date and time the footage was recorded
  • the reason you are requesting access to the footage (for example, I am in the footage).

Contact us if you need information on this page in another language or an alternate format for improved accessibility.

 
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