Northwest Region OPP implementing body-worn cameras

Tim Brody - Editor

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in the province’s Northwest Region (NWR) are implementing body-worn cameras across all detachment areas as part of a provincial technology enhancement program. 
Ontario Provincial Police shared in a May 24 media release, “In a phased approach that is currently underway and will be complete this fall, officers across NWR are being equipped with body-worn cameras (BWCs).”
Ontario Provincial Police further stated in their release, “Body-worn cameras provide police with the best possible evidence at a call for service as opposed to relying on third-party video sources such as bystander videos or static security cameras. They are an investment in the OPP’s commitment to delivering accountable and transparent policing services, are a compliment to our existing in-car camera systems and can be used to clarify engagements between an officer and a member of the public in addition to providing 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,” stated Superintendent Shaun Crabbe, OPP NWR Headquarters.
Police officers will turn on the BWC prior to arriving at a call for service, during all aspects of public interactions with police, and when they start investigating an incident/individual in order to foster public trust, confidence, and police accountability. Police noted the BWC will be turned off when the call for service, public interaction, or investigation is complete.
“The implementation of BWCs in NWR follows those already completed by East Region OPP, as well as many other municipal and Indigenous services. The OPP has conducted a comprehensive review of policies and procedures developed by our partner police agencies as it relates to the use and privacy impacts of BWCs. Procedures have been created to address potential privacy concerns and to ensure the security of the video once it has been recorded,” OPP informed.  
“The OPP supports the implementation and use of any tools or technologies that enable collecting better evidence, demonstrates greater accountability and transparency, and enhances public and officer safety in the communities we serve,” the media release concluded.