Montreal police to start testing body cameras on officers

MONTREAL – The Montreal police have announced the start of a pilot project to equip officers with body cameras.

Phase 1 of the project will come into effect in the spring and summer of 2016.

Cameras will be worn by roughly 30 officers patrolling public locations and the metro system.

Phase 2 will roll out in the fall of 2016 and will broaden the use of the body cameras.

READ MORE: Canadian police forces moving towards costly body cameras 

Montreal police are the first in Quebec to test this system, hoping the project will increase transparency and restore trust in the police force.

WATCH BELOW: Montreal police head to Toronto to learn about the body camera system. (French only)

For those concerned about privacy, police say there are safeguards put in place to ensure that citizens’ rights are not infringed upon.

“We have to be first and foremost respectful of the charters and laws that are already there,” said Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre.

“There’s a balanced approach between vigilance, prevention and respecting our freedoms and our rights.”

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READ MORE: Toronto police begin review of body-worn cameras after pilot project ends

Since it is still in a pilot project stage, the comfort of citizens will be a priority:

• Police officers wearing cameras will be identified with a visual marking on their vest and will verbally notify citizens in the case of an intervention.
• Depending on the situation – or a refusal from witness or victim – the cameras may be deactivated temporarily to protect identities.
• Officers cannot access the recorded video without first submitting their official report and filing a request for screening access.

When the pilot project comes to an end, public consultations will be held as part of the evaluation phase.

READ MORE: Calgary police body-worn camera glitch spurs recall for inspection

Officials insisted the safety of officers and the public remain a priority and they are optimistic the project will help.