Toronto Police Service releases body-worn camera pilot project evaluation report

Toronto Police Service releases body-worn camera pilot project evaluation report

Thursday, September 15, 2016 - 1:45 PM
Corporate Communications:  416-808-7100

On September 15, 2016, the Toronto Police Service presented its evaluation report of the body-worn camera pilot project to the Toronto Police Services Board.

Since March 2016, when the cameras were taken out of service, members of the BWC Working Group have been reviewing all aspects of the pilot project.

That report showed 95% of the public and 85% of officers support the use of body-worn cameras. The review also showed that, while the technology used did not meet all of the Service's needs, body-worn cameras do provide the unbiased, independent account of police/community interactions, as expected. 

The Service is recommending to the Board that it be given approval to go through a non-binding RFP process to solicit interest from technology-providers for Service-wide implementation of body-worn cameras. 

Upon decision from the Board, the Service will continue to work with its working group partners, including the Information & Privacy Commission, the Ontario Human Rights Commission, the Ministry of the Attorney General and the Toronto Police Association, on issues of mutual interest, including a review of training and procedures. 

The final evaluation report can be read here.

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For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications for Inspector Michael Barsky