Sidney/North Saanich RCMP is the latest detachment in the rollout of body-worn cameras for cops in the provincial policing agency.
The camera is powered on during the entire shift in a buffering mode, but must be activated by the officer in order to record audio and video, BC RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald said as the rollout launched in late 2024. The camera automatically saves 30 seconds of video prior to activation by the officer. This will give a clear visual picture of what was happening leading up to the camera’s activation.
“We anticipate many benefits from the use of body-worn cameras including improved public and officer safety,” said McDonald, commanding officer of E Division. “The RCMP believes the cameras will enhance transparency and accountability as well as provide a first person view of what police officers encounter daily, often in highly dynamic and tense situations.”
On Nov. 24, 2024, six communities started with 300 cameras issued to officers in Mission, Tofino, Ucluelet, Cranbrook (and the Cranbrook British Columbia Highway Patrol), Kamloops and Prince George.
Sidney/North Saanich RCMP officers were trained and equipped effective Aug. 12.
“We anticipate body-worn camera equipment will improve evidence gathering during investigations and will support improved interactions between the public and police, providing tangible benefits to each of the communities we serve,” said Staff Sgt. Wayne Conley.
When an officer responds to a call for service and begins engagement with a person the camera is activated by the officer in order to record audio and video, the local detachment said in a news release. Where possible and when safe to do so, the officer will inform the public when the camera is recording. The camera will also show three blinking red lights below the lens, when recording. The cameras will not be used in areas where there is a high expectation of privacy, or for 24 hour recording.
According to the RCMP's body-worn camera policy, officers must start recording before arriving at a call and when initiating contact with someone as part of a lawful execution of their duties. RCMP officers are required to continue recording until they determine that safety is no longer a concern and further recording no longer benefits the investigation.
The policy also takes into account situations where it would not be appropriate to be recording and requires officers to document intentional and accidental deactivations of their body-worn camera.
The RCMP estimates cameras and associated digital management services will cost approximately $3,000 per user each year. The RCMP is using a software subscription model minimizing upfront costs and the need for infrastructure requirements. Each camera can store approximately 60 hours of audio and video.
In 2020, the federal government urged police agencies to use body-worn cameras as a means to respond to concerns from racialized and Indigenous communities about interactions with police. The RCMP agreed that body-worn cameras were an additional tool that would increase accountability and improve police transparency. It is now the national standard for the RCMP.
