The overwhelming majority of Manitoba RCMP officers are now wearing body cameras on the job, according to a release from the RCMP today, and the few remaining officers are soon to receive theirs.
“As part of continuing efforts to be transparent and accountable to the communities we serve, the Manitoba RCMP is proud to announce that the service-wide rollout of body-worn cameras to its frontline officers is nearly complete,” they announced today. “As of today, 98 per cent of all officers working front-line policing duties in detachments across the province are now equipped with body-worn cameras. The last remaining officers to receive body-worn cameras are in Berens River where a new detachment, with the required infrastructure, is scheduled to open next week.”
In their release, RCMP said a digital evidence management system stores and monitors the footage from the over 600 cameras in use across the province. Police said they have sent 1,510 digital case shares to Manitoba Prosecutions.
“The body-worn camera has provided us with many useful tools that make everyday policing a lot easier. For example, taking statements and obtaining photos of scenes, victims, and suspects is extremely easy and the apps are excellent in tracking our movement during an investigation,” said Cpl. Jenelle Hulan of the Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Unit. “Overall, this is a tool we needed in front-line policing to increase transparency and trust for both police and the public. Having concrete evidence that is uploaded and stored in such an easy manner also makes life easier when completing court packs.”
