Members of the Terrace RCMP have joined their counterparts in Kitimat and Smithers by beginning to wear body cameras when out on patrol.
Introduced over the past several years in multiple police agencies across the country, the unobtrusive cameras will record interactions between the public and officers so as to present objective information.
The RCMP expect recordings to build transparency, accountability and public trust.
There's also the wish to more quickly resolve complaints and to improve evidence gathering.
When officers are out on a call, here are the criteria to turn on a camera:
- crimes in progress
- investigations
- public disorder and protests
- mental health calls
- interactions with people in crisis
- to support officers in the performance of their duties
Between 10,000 and 15,000 cameras are being distributed by the RCMP to urban, rural and remote locations.
When possible, the RCMP say officers will let people know they are being recorded.
