Body-Worn Cameras

BWCs will be deployed to frontline officers, with a phased rollout concluding by late 2025.

BWCs enhance accountability, transparency, and trust. They also provide unbiased records for court use, address complaints, and support fair outcomes. 

BWCs are activated during:

• Calls for service.
• Investigations.
• Law enforcement activities.

They are deactivated when:

• Calls, investigations, or enforcement actions are complete.
• Recording sensitive scenarios, such as:
• Strip searches.
• Hospitals (with exceptions).
• Schools (with exceptions).
• Courthouses, unless legally required or in exigent circumstances.
• Religious or cultural ceremonies, unless permission is granted or required for enforcement.

Cameras will be visibly worn, with lights indicating activation. While officers aim to notify individuals when recording begins, the timing may depend on safety or operational priorities.

In public spaces, officers do not require consent to record. In private spaces, consent is required unless a warrant or urgent circumstances apply.

No. BWCs do not employ facial recognition or biometric analysis. They are also not used for surveillance or covert recording.

Footage is securely uploaded at the end of each shift. Retention periods vary based on legal and policy requirements, such as court cases or ongoing investigations.

Yes, through a formal Freedom of Information (FOI) request under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).

Officers are trained in equipment use, privacy protection, data security, retention, redaction, and storage, following the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario’s Governance Framework.

Non-compliance is investigated by the Professional Standards Branch, with disciplinary actions based on the findings.

BWCs provide an objective record of events, de-escalate conflicts, and protect officers from false allegations while enhancing public trust.

Strict policies govern the use of BWCs, ensuring recordings are accessed only by authorized personnel. Sensitive footage is redacted when necessary.

Officers may only turn off cameras in specific scenarios, such as non-enforcement activities or sensitive private conversations (e.g., hospitals, schools, ceremonies). These actions must be justified and documented. 

BWC footage is treated as evidence, following chain-of-custody protocols. It provides unbiased accounts to support fair legal proceedings.

Yes. Footage related to ongoing investigations or court cases may be retained longer than standard periods, in compliance with legal requirements. 

While BWCs require some administrative effort, they reduce time spent on reporting and evidence collection, ultimately streamlining workflows. 

Technical issues are reported immediately, and protocols ensure equipment reliability. In such cases, officers rely on notes to document incidents. 

No. Officers cannot edit or delete footage. The system is designed to prevent tampering, ensuring the integrity of all recordings. Access is limited to authorized personnel under strict protocols. 

Complaints about BWC use can be filed with the Professional Standards Branch. All complaints will be investigated thoroughly, and appropriate action will be taken if policy violations are identified. 

Audio is only recorded when the camera is activated. Officers are trained to activate cameras during enforcement, investigations, or calls for service.

No. Cameras are activated during specific operational duties, such as calls for service or investigations. Casual conversations unrelated to policing are not recorded.

Body-Worn Cameras will only be activated during protests when officers believe an offence is about to be or is being committed, or when they are about to engage with members of the public. Their use is not related to general safety monitoring. 

Footage may be shared with courts or other agencies as required by law, following chain-of-custody protocols. Media access to footage is highly restricted and governed by privacy laws and organizational policies.