The Alberta Government recently announced body cams will be mandated for all police services in the province; a move that Strathmore RCMP Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Mark Wielgosz says has many benefits. These benefits include:

Court Evidence

Body cams could greatly speed up the court and investigative processes, as Wielgosz said they could provide a perspective on any situation that could most accurately reflect what happened.

"Not unlike the cameras that are already equipped in our police vehicles and microphones that our members currently wear, it's the best way to have an independent point of view, as far as the best evidence to be collected when our members are attending calls for service. Whether it be a response to criminal matters when they're first on scene, or perhaps having interactions with the public." 

"For criminal matters and reproducing our members' observations, when it comes time for court, it's certainly very helpful when we're able to present that independent point of view to the courts when it comes to deciding factors on criminal matters."

Accountability

Similar to what he said about courts, Wielgosz believes these body cams will help address any potential community complaints about the conduct of an officer, should a situation arise where an investigation is needed.

"If it is a matter of someone who's dissatisfied with the service that they received, sometimes it's advantageous to provide a clear accounting of what occurred and at times based on people's perceptions, it does alleviate a lot of issues or concerns or stressors that might have occurred.  It's another way that we can be transparent with members of the public as well as making sure that we're able to resolve public concerns. Also, there is a level of accountability when it does come to our members as well." 

Protecting officers/ de-escalation

Wielgosz added body cams could potentially de-escalate situations, as he explained somebody may be less prone to acting aggressively or recklessly if they know they're being recorded.

"Even with the car video systems, personally, I've had experiences where I've reminded a person that they're being recorded in the backseat of a police car, and I've seen immediate changes in their behavior." 

Strathmore will not be field testing the cameras, as to Wielgosz's knowledge he said Grande Prairie, St. Paul and Parkland are expected to begin field testing on May 1.  As for when the entire province will have body cams, he said that could happen by the start of next year, but there is currently no set timetable. Wielgosz added the RCMP already had body cam plans prior to the province's announcement, so the timing of the announcement happened to be a fortunate coincidence, as the province's timeline and the RCMP's timeline should line up nicely.

 

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