As part of continuing efforts to be transparent and accountable to the communities served, Manitoba RCMP have announced that the service-wide rollout of body-worn cameras to its frontline officers is nearly complete.
As of today, 98 percent 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.
“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.”
The use of these cameras is complemented by a digital evidence management system that stores and manages video. From the 638 body-worn cameras in use across the province today, the Manitoba RCMP has accumulated 174,369 pieces of evidence in the form of videos, images, audio statements and documents. Additionally, the RCMP has sent 1,510 digital case shares to Manitoba Prosecutions. These numbers are rapidly growing every day.
“Without a doubt, body-worn cameras have quickly become an incredibly beneficial and important tool for our officers. The evidence collected through video footage has directly contributed to numerous investigations and has helped our organization become more transparent,” said Assistant Commissioner Scott McMurchy, Commanding Officer of the Manitoba RCMP.
