Victoria Police tell officers to disable Bluetooth or use flight mode on bodycams after flaw exposed

Victoria Police has issued an urgent safety alert instructing thousands of officers to disable Bluetooth or switch their body-worn cameras to flight mode during raids and covert operations, after a televised investigation exposed a security flaw that could reveal officers’ locations in real time.

The program, broadcast Monday, reported that Axon-branded Tasers and body-worn cameras used by police in every Australian state and territory could inadvertently disclose the positions of undercover and tactical officers. Unlike most mobile phones, the devices do not have built-in privacy settings, and a simple phone app could detect and track them.

A hacker who identified the vulnerability demonstrated to the program how the flaw works and said they had warned every police agency in the country two years ago. According to the investigation, Victoria Police assessed the threat at the time and found the risk to be real.

In 2024, however, police executives ultimately dismissed it as a non-issue after discussions with Axon, the US tech company that manufactures and supplies the equipment. Within minutes of the broadcast concluding on Monday night, a high-risk “hazard alert” authorised by an acting assistant commissioner went to 15,000 officers.

It stated that “following recent media reporting, concerns have been raised regarding the potential for Bluetooth Low Energy emissions… to be detected and alert of police presence.” The alert rated the risk to officers as “high,” with potential consequences deemed “severe” but “unlikely,” and outlined steps to mitigate operational risks.

Officers were told to switch off Axon devices when storing them away from work and that they might deactivate body-worn cameras during covert jobs and “unannounced building entries.” Victoria Police later updated the advice to include a flight mode option when detection is a risk.

The force said it is conducting a risk assessment and is engaging with Axon on potential safeguards. The internal guidance contrasted with public statements made earlier in the week. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said she had been reassured by police that the vulnerability was not a problem for officers.

“I can understand that this is a concern that’s been raised nationally,” she said on Monday. “My advice from Victoria Police is that there has not been identified any unauthorised access for tasers and these other devices.” Victoria Police said it is continuing to assess the issue while working with Axon on ways to protect officers, particularly those in undercover and tactical roles who rely on Bluetooth-enabled equipment.