Amherstburg police officers are going to be on the street with body-worn cameras.
Police Chief Tim Berthiaume says the audio video devices will help enhance public safety and increase transparency.
“Once a person was told they were being audio/video taped, their demeanor changes for the better," says Berthiaume.
The cameras are also expected to provide powerful evidence in court, give opportunities to identify training needs, reduce time spent in court and reduce time spent investigating public complaints.
Officers will start wearing the cameras April 24. There will be two cameras assigned for the next several weeks. One will be deployed on dayshift and the other will be deployed on nightshift.
The department's new policy is that officers activate recording at the beginning of a call and stop when the call is complete. Failure to do so could result in discipline.
"There is no legal obligation to disclose that they are being audio/video taped, however our policy dictates that as soon as practical, the public be made aware they are being taped," says Berthiaume.
It is 30 day pilot project.
Amherstburg is one of two police services in Ontario to test the use of the body-worn cameras by patrolling officers, according to police.
