The Calgary Police Service has been testing body worn cameras for several months and is now ready to roll out the technology to all of its frontline members.
Police in District 1 and traffic have been putting the cameras through the paces since August to test how well they function and the operating procedures of the BWCs under varying circumstances.
The body cameras will not be used to record an officer’s entire shift but will be activated when they respond to a call or come across an incident that requires investigation.
BWCs will be used for:
- Collection of evidence
- Enhance transparency, public trust and confidence
- Enhance officer accountability and professionalism
- Protect officers from unfounded allegations of misconduct
- De-escalate a situation
Over the next few months, the cameras will be deployed to other areas of the service and officials say all uniformed members will be wearing them by the end of 2016 or start of 2017.
Officials say there will be a learning curve for officers as they adapt to the new technology and a public education and awareness campaign will also be launched to ensure citizens know there is a possibility that interactions with police could be captured on the cameras.
The Calgary Police Service has created a website for people to access more information about the technology.
