Body cameras will soon be worn by all police officers in Canada, including in the Cariboo.
So what does the RCMP think ?
Sergeant Clay Kronebusch says they support the idea for a variety of reasons.
“They will provide a first person view of what the police officers encounter often during times in highly dynamic intense situations. The objective of the body worn camera projects is to strengthen transparency, accountability and public trust, to resolve public complaints quicker, and to improve interactions between the public the police and also improve with evidence gathering.”
Kronebusch says that could include evidence for court.
“Ya it could definitely be helpful in court. You know obviously video tells a much better picture that just relying on an officer’s memory. You know having actual video of interactions between people will help paint a better picture for the court system.”
Kronebusch says there is no definitive timeline for Quesnel to get body cameras.
“Right now we’re working on implementation. We don’t have a set date. I think the goal for our area will be sometime around February, but we’re still working on, there are a few things we have to get up and running before we implement them.”
Kronebusch says there is still a lot of training to come as well.
Officers will wear the cameras on their chests, with a flashing red light to indicate that they’re in operation.
Officials have said that the cameras will not be activated in areas where there’s a high expectation of privacy.
Something going on in the Cariboo you think people should know about?
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