The rollout of body cameras on Guelph police officers is nearly complete after the service began equipping its members earlier this year.
Guelph Police Services Chief Gord Cobey update the GPS board members during the March meeting, saying he expects the rollout to be completed within the next few weeks.
“As part of this year's budget the board approved the deployment of body cameras,” said Cobey. “By the end of this month, certainly by the end of April, all of that technology will be deployed within the service, so that’s happened literally in the last eight to 12 weeks.”
Scott Tracey, GPS spokesperson, said the department has approximately 120 cameras deployed for all officers who wear a uniform. Non-uniformed officers will not be required to wear a camera but have still received the training.
Tracey said the cameras are part of a package deal from our supplier Axon which includes the provincially-negotiated digital evidence management rates as well as Tasers and all associated technology and other add-ons. It would be difficult to separate those costs strictly related to the cameras.
Virtual reality scenarios relating to the video captured by the cameras will create the opportunity for officers to train in situations that are known to the community.
Once set up, the technology will bring with it new opportunities for digital virtual reality training for both our members and board members.
“What that does is give members virtual reality opportunities to be immersed in realistic scenarios which include de-escalation and empathetic approaches to dealing with incidents - so that’s an important tool we didn't have that will be fully leveraged through the service,” said Cobey at the latest police board meeting.
Tracey said the department is at the very beginning of exploring that technology and doesn't believe firm timelines have yet to be set for its rollout.
In July, the capital budget presentation for 2022-2024 put forward a request for $1,855,200 associated with body-worn cameras.
The 10-year forecast required for this project is $7,052,700 which includes Tasers, BWC, unlimited storage and virtual reality training as well as IT Equipment for 3 new full-time Staff.
Additional operating costs of $372,600 were included for three full-time forensic video staff.
