As part of a push for greater accountability and transparency, RCMP in Manitoba have said they will start wearing body worn cameras, in some places as soon as the end of this week.
In a release, the RCMP said the first detachment of their to sport body-worn cameras would be in Steinbach by November 22. Eight detachments will be equipped with them by the end of January, while almost 500 officers in 44 detachments will have them by April of 2025.
According to police, these cameras will be complemented by a digital evidence management system that will be used to store and manage body-worn video. Every detachment in the province will be taking part in this system within 18 months.
“Communities have been asking for more accountability and transparency in policing,” said Assistant Commissioner Scott McMurchy, Commanding Officer, Manitoba RCMP. “We are very pleased to say that the RCMP has listened and is deploying body-worn cameras throughout Manitoba. With today’s launch, it truly demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the trust between the Manitoba RCMP and the communities we so proudly serve throughout the province.”
The released added that officers will usually be wearing their body-worn cameras on their chest and people can tell the cameras are recording when a red light is visible and flashing below the lens.
