More police officers will be getting outfitted with body cameras
Posted Apr 13, 2024 06:00:00 AM.
Last Updated Apr 13, 2024 05:37:25 AM.
The Waterloo Region Police are outfitting front line police officers with body-worn cameras (BWC) after ending a 16-month long pilot program. In-car cameras (ICC) were also approved for permanent deployment.
It was determined that the cameras are a transparent policing tool that provides them with records of interactions. Through surveys with members involved with the pilot the saw a large amount of support for the technology with overwhelming support from the surrounding community.
The equipment does not have facial recognition technology. When officers are recording the BWC will be worn in plain sight for the public to see. An indicator light will be on when it is actively recording. Police officers are also required to advise individuals when they are being recorded.
The province gave WRPS funding to outfit 100 front-line police vehicles with Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology, It uses cameras and some software to automatically scan licence plates. The technology alerts officers to stolen licence plates, suspended drivers and missing or wanted persons. It also allows them to see if a vehicle is connected with an AMBER alert.
