‘A disturbing picture’: use of excessive force endemic in Victorian remand centres, says ombudsman

Report finds officers failing to use body-worn cameras and incidents often occurred in prison CCTV blind spots'

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The use of excessive force against Victorian prisoners is persistent and endemic" in the state's remand centres, with an ombudsman's report concluding a culture of silence is a barrier to uncovering the full extent of the problem.

The report by the Victorian ombudsman, Deborah Glass, which was tabled in state parliament on Wednesday, found officers were failing to use body-worn cameras as required and that incidents often occurred in CCTV blind spots", which raised suspicion about officers' actions and motives.