EDMONTON – On June 27, 12 RCMP members in Wood Buffalo began using body-worn video cameras to record their interactions with citizens as part of a trial project.
The project is part of a national RCMP feasibility study into police use of BWV cameras. Wood Buffalo is one of only three RCMP detachments across Canada to be involved in the trial. Windsor and Indian Head, Nova Scotia are the other two detachments taking part.
The pilot project will run until November.
“The body-worn camera project won’t impact day-to-day operations in Wood Buffalo,” said RCMP Sgt. Keith Horwood, who is managing the local test project.
“However, it is important for local citizens to realize that if you come into contact with an RCMP officer over the next four months, the possibility exists that the interaction will be filmed.”
READ MORE: Edmonton police to gradually roll out body-worn video program
On June 23, the Edmonton Police Service announced it was moving ahead with a body-worn video program after a three-year pilot project.
Police said the program will be gradually implemented over the next five years. Cameras will not be worn by all officers, just those involved in high-risk interactions with public, where officers are on scene of a crime being committed, and the evidence being captured on video will provide the greatest value to the courts.
“The value of collection that evidence when they find individuals committing an offence will be hugely beneficial, we believe,” said EPS Deputy Chief Danielle Campbell.
Comments