Update on Police piloting video statements for family violence victims

New Zealand Police in Palmerston North have been piloting recording family violence victims' statements on video using mobile phones. Victims can make statements in their homes rather than being taken to a Police station for a written statement.

The pilot started in December 2015 and was set to end in March 2016, but has been extended. 

Police Minister Judith Collins and Justice Minister Amy Adams were briefed on the trial. Police Commissioner Mike Bush reported on his blog that 55 frontline staff in Palmerston North have taken video statements from family violence victims. He said:

"We will continue to test the end-to-end process in Palmerston North until the end of July. This will ensure we see a number of cases go through the entire court process and that we have the best information to inform wider use of mobile devices to video family violence victim statements and inform any necessary legislative changes."