NORTHWEST REGION – OPP Northwest Region detachments are equipping their officers with body cameras.
By fall, all detachments in the northwest will be fully equipped.
Body cameras provide police with real-time video evidence for their investigations as opposed to relying on CCTV security footage or the public’s cellphone footage.
The investment into the technology enhancement program fulfills a need to ensure officers' accountability and transparency while conducting policing services in their community.
Moreover, the body camera works in compliance with existing in-car camera systems that are used to clarify engagements between an officer and a member of the public, as well as provide additional evidence in court.
"The OPP is eager to offer this long overdue enhancement to our investigative and evidence collection systems while simultaneously elevating transparency into our policing operations and overall public accountability,” said Superintendent Shaun Crabbe, OPP Northwest Region Headquarters.
Officers are instructed to turn on their body cameras before arriving at a call for service.
The video cameras will record all aspects of public interactions with police, and their investigation of an incident. The body camera will be turned off when the call for service, public interaction, or investigation is complete.
As part of the program, the OPP stated they have implemented privacy policies to protect the video.
The OPP said the use of the technology will enable police to collect better evidence, demonstrate greater accountability and transparency, and enhance public and officer safety in our communities.
