Consistent with the Prime Minister’s 2020 commitment to enhance transparency, accountability and trust in police, the RCMP is moving forward to equip its members with body worn cameras (BWC). Implementing BWCs will have financial impacts for local governments. UBCM has been involved in this process through participation on a Public Safety Canada working group.
Background
BWC are intended to produce audio and video evidence of police-involved incidents. According to the federal government, the deployment of BWC is expected to increase transparency and confidence in the justice system, improve accountability (e.g. in addressing systemic racism), and reduce the time needed to resolve complaints. Potential benefits for the RCMP include a reduction in the number of complaints, decrease in the time needed to resolve complaints, quicker court resolutions through use of video evidence, and increased public trust. In addition to RCMP members being able to access and share video evidence, members of the public can access recordings through requests under the Privacy Act or Access to Information Act.
On November 30, 2020, a pilot project began in Iqaluit to test the use of BWC during general duty patrols and calls for service. 24 BWC were deployed, and a total of 47 general duty police officers were trained to use the devices. Issues examined included use of the BWC (e.g. turning the device on/off), storage of information, necessary training, and disclosure requirements. The processes and policies used as part of this pilot project have helped guide the development of national policies.
The RCMP has provided a short background document that contains additional information.
Costs and Funding
The federal government’s 2020 Fall Economic Statement committed $238.5 million over six years towards BWC. Part of this financial commitment includes fully funding this initiative until 2024/25, at which point contract partners will absorb all costs.
Public Safety Canada has estimated the annual per unit cost to be $2,000 - $3,000. This annual subscription is expected to include software and storage (as part of the digital evidence management system) and the camera’s yearly subscription cost. While the HR requirements to implement and manage the overall BWC project have been determined, the long-term funding model for these have yet to be finalized.
While specific requirements and administration of BWC have yet to be determined, there may be additional requirements and costs that are not covered under federal funding. Additional requirements include some minimal space to store BWC, internet upgrade costs, additional local government support staff, and training and divisional operating costs (likely reflected through increased divisional administration costs) to sustain the program. Once this information becomes available, it will be communicated to local governments.
Operational Issues and Training
The RCMP intends to procure 10,000 – 15,000 BWC to equip all officers who have operational interactions with the public (i.e. front line police officers). BWC are intended to be activated by members in advance of arriving at a service call (e.g. mental health calls, crimes in progress, public disorder), when engaging with a member of the public as part of an investigation, and to support an officer’s lawful duties. These devices are not intended to be used for 24-hour recording, surveillance, or other areas with a high expectation of privacy (except under exigent circumstances). The RCMP is currently finalizing policies to address these issues and other key components. Members of the public will be able to request video copies through access to information requests.
The RCMP will be using a digital evidence management system (DEMS) to manage digital images, videos, and audio. The DEMS will help facilitate access and sharing of information among RCMP members, and with the crown. BWC footage will be managed through a cloud-based system, although local conditions may require some detachments to use a local server or hybrid solution. Members of the public will also be able to submit videos through the DEMS.
Training requirements for RCMP members will be informed by the recent pilot project, and finalized once a vendor is selected and the product and service are better understood. It is expected that training will include an online component, limiting the length of time a member is away from their detachment.
Overall, this initiative will necessitate an increase of resources for each division. E-Division is estimated to increase its administrative compliment by one BWC Program Manager, two BWC Analysts, and 20-23 BWC Project Officers. Detachments will also have more responsibilities, including redacting videos and supporting disclosure. BWC will be stored at detachments (requiring minimal space). Should the detachment require additional resources (e.g. to improve efficiency), the financial burden will rest with the RCMP contract holder.
Local Government Concerns
Local governments, provinces and territories have agreed that cost containment is of considerable importance. Although it was originally communicated that the federal government would fund this initiative for the first three years of implementation, the federal government has clarified that despite delays in the implementation process, funding will not continue past 2024/25. With a field test expected in late 2021, followed by a phased roll out starting in 2022, most contract partners are likely to receive only 1-2 years of federal funding before assuming all financial responsibility. UBCM has communicated there is a need to develop long-term financial solutions.
In addition to the estimated annual cost of $2,000 - $3,000 per unit including software and digital evidence management, local governments will be responsible for any additional support staff beyond what is provided by E-Division, as well as any additional office space and IT/internet upgrades. Additional costs and human resource requirements could further increase the overall financial impact on contract partners.
Thus far, the broader local government community has received minimal communication from the RCMP. However, the E-Division stakeholder engagement process is set to begin this week, and will include a meeting with UBCM. It is expected that affected local governments will be consulted in the coming weeks to discuss impacts and implementation in British Columbia.
It is also unclear as to what measurements the RCMP will be using to assess the effectiveness of BWC. This is especially important given the annual financial contribution local governments will be expected to make starting in 2024/25 and the need to properly evaluate the results of this significant investment.
Next Steps / Implementation
Following a short field test, the RCMP’s phased roll out of BWC is likely to begin in 2022, approximately one year later than originally anticipated. This phased roll out could take upwards of 18 months to complete. Leading up to implementation, and as part of the RCMP’s stakeholder engagement and communication strategy, E-Division is expected to conduct outreach with stakeholders.
The RCMP continues to work toward selecting a vendor and locations to conduct a field test of BWC. The field test will help the RCMP adjust its policies, procedures and training program in advance of broader implementation.
More information on the progress and timelines for BWC implementation will be communicated once it is available.