Toronto Police Service launches Full Body Scanner pilot project

Toronto Police Service launches Full Body Scanner pilot project

Tuesday, September 11, 2018 - 3:35 PM
Communities & Neighbourhoods Command:  416-808-7100

On Monday, September 10, 2018, the Toronto Police Service became the first police service in Canada to test a Full Body Scanner, when members of 14 Division began a six-month pilot project.

This technology gives officers the ability to conduct Level 3 Searches and locate evidence, contraband and/or items of concern, without having to conduct a physical strip search. It allows the Service to ensure the safety of everyone involved by reducing intrusiveness and increasing the dignity of those being searched.

In keeping with the mandate of the Transformational Task Force (TTF), the Full Body Scanner is being introduced as an innovative way of using technology to modernize existing policing practices. With refined training and procedures, created in line with the historical feedback on the issue of Level 3 Searches, the Full Body Scanner technology speaks to the Service’s goals of becoming more trusted, transparent and accountable.

Since August 2017, a project team has been exploring the feasibility of implementing this technology and has consulted with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, the Ministry of the Attorney General, the Ontario Human Rights Commission, the Special Investigations Unit, and the Office of the Independent Police Review Director.

After releasing a Request for Expressions of Interest in May 2018, the Service received submissions from two companies that provide the type of technology required for the pilot project. Equipment from both companies will be tested for the next six months.

At the conclusion of the pilot project, a review will be conducted and recommendations will be made for next steps.

Further information about the pilot project and Level 3 Searches can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions document.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, for Deputy Chief Peter Yuen, Communities and Neighbourhoods Command