All police across B.C. set to wear body cameras, with standardized framework established

In a push for more police accountability and evidence, all police forces in B.C. are set to start using body cameras.

These programs are expected to roll out throughout the year with the help of a standardized framework established to create consistency among all forces.

“The call for more police transparency has been clearly articulated by the public, and as police, we are listening,” said BC RCMP Chief Supt. Holly Turton.

The move for all officers to wear body cameras follows the lead of the Delta Police department, which was the first detachment to wear them around two years ago. The department has 24 cameras and is expecting an additional 16 going forward.

“We’ve found that around impaired driving investigations, for example, the video shows the indicia of impairment the individual has that we’ve found has been beneficial when it gets into court proceedings,” said Dept. Chief Harj Sidhu of the Delta Police Department.

The Vancouver Police Department also kicked off its six-month pilot project last week, with around 85 officers suited in cams.

“It’s about meeting the changing needs and expectations of our communities and making sure we provide the service people have come to expect of all of us,” said VPD Supt. Howard Tran. “That’s one of the reasons we’re moving forward with plans for all frontline officers to wear body-worn cameras.”

While each agency will develop its own polices for the cameras, there’s now a standardized framework, but it will be up to individual departments to decide when to roll them out and how many cams they will purchase.

“With the introduction of body-worn cameras, we expect more timely resolutions of public complaints, improved interactions between the police and the public, and additional increased accountability,” said Dept. Chief Anita Furlan, Metro Vancouver Transit Police.

The cost per camera is about $1,300 to purchase, with a pricetage of around $1,700 for administrative resources behind the camera.

“From my experience, for the vast majority of interactions when you tell somebody that they’re being recorded, it keeps everything at a fairly calm and even level on both sides,” said Delta Police Sgt. Jim Ingram. “From an evidentiary standpoint, it’s fantastic.”

Evidence is typically stored for 13 months — unless charges are involved, when it will be kept as long as it is needed. If the public wants access to footage, it will be the same protocol as the Freedom Of Information process.