Source: RCMP

RCMP in Nova Scotia are going to be testing body-worn cameras out on the field, starting Monday, May 15.

Sixty officers will be part of the test over the next 8-10 weeks, in seven detachments in the province:

• Chester (Traffic Services)
• Digby
• New Minas (Traffic Services)
• North Sydney (Traffic Services)
• Pictou
• Stellarton
• Yarmouth Rural (Traffic Services)

The audio and video will be uploaded to use as digital evidence.

“Body-worn cameras are being adopted by police agencies across Canada to support public calls for greater police transparency and accountability” says Chief Superintendent Sue Black, Officer in Charge of Criminal Operations for the Nova Scotia RCMP. “We hope their use will improve public insights and police conduct and performance, and in turn build trust between us and the community we serve.”

The cameras are also being tested in Alberta and Nunavut over the same period.

“The use of body-worn cameras, and a digital evidence management system, will soon become the standard for general duty frontline RCMP officers across the country,” says C. Supt./Black. “The Nova Scotia RCMP is pleased to play a part ensuring the initiative is a success by participating in the field test process.”

If the cameras are successful, they’ll be distributed across the country which would take 12 to 18 months.