The Saskatchewan RCMP has started introducing body-worn cameras (BWCs) to enhance transparency and accountability. The phased roll-out began on Nov.19 in Fort Qu’Appelle with other detachments to follow in the coming weeks.
Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore, Saskatchewan RCMP's Commanding Officer, said it's another tool in the toolbox.
“As we continue to modernize Saskatchewan’s provincial police service, body-worn cameras will have a role in our ongoing trust-building with the communities and people we serve,” said Blackmore. “Body-worn cameras are one more tool we can use as police officers in our daily duties and in being accountable to the public.”
Over the next four weeks, cameras will be implemented at detachments in Black Lake, Fond du Lac, Pelican Narrows, Onion Lake, and Punnichy. Additionally, all remaining detachments will receive BWCs within 8–12 months.
Uniformed front-line officers will wear BWCs. These devices will activate only during police investigations or when officers interact with the public. Meanwhile, RCMP policy ensures cameras remain on during any situation with safety concerns or investigational value.
The RCMP explains BWCs provide “an independent, unbiased, and objective way to capture interactions between the public and police officers.”
Supporting Transparency and Trust
Body-worn cameras are a key initiative under the RCMP’s modernization strategy. Additionally, the goal is to strengthen public trust and accountability.
A digital evidence management system will manage footage recorded on the cameras. This national standard will ensure secure storage and efficient management of video evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the RCMP's public information, the BWCs will not record continuously. Officers will activate them only when lawfully required, such as during investigations or while obtaining field statements.
Privacy is a priority. The RCMP ensures compliance with Canada’s privacy laws when managing video footage. Videos will only be accessed when necessary for investigations or reviews.
Additionally, the operational manual states that BWCs will not be used for casual monitoring or in areas where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists.
Community Benefits
Meanwhile, The roll-out aims to enhance the integrity of RCMP policing in Saskatchewan. BWCs will assist with evidence collection, reduce disputes about interactions, and support the judicial process.
The RCMP anticipates the cameras will benefit both officers and the public. Transparency, accountability, and safety are at the forefront of this initiative.
Deployment Timeline
The Saskatchewan RCMP roll-out schedule includes:
- Fort Qu’Appelle Detachment -Week of November 19
- Black Lake and Fond du Lac Detachments- Week of November 25
- Onion Lake and Pelican Narrows Detachments- Week of December 9
- Punnichy Detachment- Week of December 16:
The RCMP expects full deployment across Saskatchewan within 12 months.
Modern Policing Tools
“These cameras will serve as an objective way to document incidents,” the RCMP noted in a statement on its website.
Additionally, the RCMP invites the public to visit its webpage to learn more about BWCs, including their policy framework and benefits.
For Saskatchewan residents, this technology represents progress toward a more transparent and accountable police service.
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