Body-worn cameras are being rolled out by the Taber Police Service, starting with patrol officers wearing the devices.
According to Taber Police Service officials, when out and about residents will notice a camera roughly the size of a pack of cards on the front of the officer’s uniform. Officers will be able to activate the camera for interactions between them and the public when it is, or will become investigative or enforcement-related. When the cameras are recording a red light will turn on.
By using the cameras law enforcement agencies hope they will aid in de-escalating the behaviour of people when they know that there is a recording in progress and improve evidence collection, and documentation in cases and help lead to successful prosecutions. The cameras will also help increase the efficiency and transparency of complaints against police officers while protecting officers from unfounded allegations of misconduct; overall improving transparency, public trust, officer accountability and professionalism.
The camera rollout is in accordance with the Government of Alberta’s mandate from March of 2023 that all police agencies in the province use the cameras. The recordings will be sent to the courts when required, however, any private information of third parties captured on the recording will be redacted beforehand.
