Watch House Readiness Team & Vital Signs Monitoring Technology

Watch House Readiness Team & Vital Signs Monitoring Technology

Operational improvements and innovation are enhancing safety in one of ACT Policing’s highest-risk environments. Detective Sergeant Liam O’Mahony and Detective Superintendent John Hawkins outlined two major initiatives transforming custodial care in the ACT: the creation of the Watch House Readiness Team and the introduction of vital signs monitoring technology at the ANZPAA Police Conference 2025.

ACT’s single watch house processes around 4,000 detainees annually, with stays ranging from a few hours to several days. “It’s a unique and challenging environment, not only for the people in custody, but also for our Watch House staff, the primary purpose is to ensure the safety and welfare of all persons in custody.” D/Sgt O’Mahony said.

The Watch House Readiness Team was established to address gaps in training and governance. Previously, training was inconsistent and self-managed. Now, induction and specialist programs, including sergeant training and cell extraction, are delivered systematically. Members rotate through the watch house for six to twelve months and all staff are ACT Policing members.

The team also strengthened governance. Use-of-force reviews now include a third layer of oversight and a continuous improvement register tracks issues raised by staff. “We’ve revitalised governance so manuals and processes stay current,” D/Sgt O’Mahony noted.

Practical changes have followed. A new reasonable adjustment cell accommodates detainees with mobility needs or medical emergencies, featuring wider doors, handrails and stretcher access to meet human rights standards. Another success has been streamlining DNA collection through digital smart forms, resulting in a 231% increase in samples over two years. “We’ve moved from reactive to proactive,” D/Sgt O’Mahony said.

The second initiative is a trial of radar-based vital signs monitoring in five watch house cells. Studies show many detainees suffer from cardiovascular or respiratory conditions and vital signs often deteriorate hours before a critical event. While ACT Policing employs clinical nurses during peak hours and provides 24/7 access to medical services, gaps remain.

To address this, ACT Policing is trialling the Xandar Kardian 300XK radar sensor, which monitors heart rate, respiratory rate and motion. Data feeds to a dashboard at the officer station, with alerts triggered when readings fall outside preset thresholds. “This technology isn’t replacing existing checks,” D/Sgt O’Mahony stressed. “It’s adding another layer for detainee care and staff security.” The system is autonomous, contact-free and continuously monitors vital signs, enabling early intervention.

The $200,000 investment for five cells is modest compared to the potential cost of a single death in custody—estimated at $4–5 million—without considering the human impact. Supported by Ericom Technology Solutions, the trial follows successful deployments in correctional facilities internationally.

Ultimately, these initiatives are about more than technology or process—they aim to enhance the well-being of detainees and staff, creating a safer environment for everyone involved.

This editorial draws directly from the ANZPAA Police Conference 2025 presentation by Detective Sergeant Liam O’Mahony and Detective Superintendent John Hawkins (ACT Policing).

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