Winnipeg police to launch body camera program next week
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Some front-line Winnipeg Police Service officers will begin wearing body-worn cameras on their uniforms next Wednesday as part of a six-month pilot project.
The WPS said 40 cameras will be used to record video and audio during the officers’ regular duties, including their response to calls for service, self-initiated interactions with people, and enforcement or investigative activities.
The service is trialling the Axon Body 4 camera. In March, Chief Gene Bowers said Axon agreed to a free trial period. The Arizona-based company is known for its Taser devices.
A constable with the Brandon Police Service wears a body-worn video camera. (Tim Smith / The Brandon Sun files)
An online survey has been set up by the WPS to get Winnipeg residents’ opinions on the use of body cameras during the pilot project.
The survey asks respondents if they think cameras, already used by the RCMP and some municipal services in Canada, improve police transparency and accountability, or trust in officers, and if the devices could negatively impact marginalized and/or racialized communities.
Other questions include whether the use of body cameras could lead to fewer incidents where police use force, if respondents consider the devices an invasion of privacy, and if they think footage will be managed responsibly by the WPS.
Police also plan to get feedback via public forums.
After the pilot finishes, the WPS said it will create a report explaining lessons learned, key observations and recommendations to guide future decisions about the use of body cameras.
Brandon police began a phased rollout of about 65 cameras for front-line officers Tuesday.
fpcity@freepress.mb.ca