Should Hamilton police be wearing body cameras? The police board wants to know what you think
CBC
The Hamilton Police Service Board is asking for the public's input on body cameras.
Police were approved to buy 500 cameras in April after nearly a decade of discussion.
They released their board policy on the use of the cameras in late September and are now asking people in the city for feedback.
"The Board is providing everyone with additional time to review this important document," board chair Geordie Elms said in a statement.
"Feedback from residents is welcomed so the Board may consider this information during deliberation of the draft policy."
Those wanting to offer feedback to the board can do so before Oct. 22 at 5 p.m.
The service has explored the idea of cameras since 2015, but the board turned it down four times.
Community groups and members have said in past years the technology would improve transparency and accountability while others worried about the privacy implications and the cost.
Sgt. Scott Moore said in April the program would cost taxpayers $11 million, with a total spending of $15.5 million over five years. The police service is already spending $4.5 million on digital evidence management which will also be used for the cameras.
The draft policy describes body-worn cameras (BWCs) as one way to address transparency and accountability concerns and "for rights protections and situations in which force is used."
It also outlines the purpose of the policy, which includes "enhancing the [Hamilton Police Service's] commitment to anti-racist, bias-free service delivery," bettering the public and officers' safety, and improving the public's trust.
The board also outlined challenges, like concerns about privacy "particularly where what could be perceived as surveillance of vulnerable people and racialized communities is concerned, or in sensitive situations such as domestic violence calls," read the draft policy.
The draft also outlines that the chief will develop procedures around when and how officers must use BWCs, access, retention and disposal of the recordings.
Police will also have to provide the board with an annual report that includes findings, costs, complaints, and more.
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