Body cameras “long overdue,” says St. Paul RCMP NCO

Initial feedback is positive from both members and the public, says St. Paul RCMP Detachment, Sgt. Bobby Burgess.

On Feb. 8, St. Paul RCMP officially began their pilot project, where they were selected as one of three in the province to wear these body cams, with the intention that soon they’ll be standard across Canada.

“If you’ve had an interaction with a member of the St. Paul RCMP in the last month, you have likely been recorded by a body camera,” said Sgt. Burgess, Operations NCO for St Paul Detachment.

“My members have welcomed the addition of body cameras to our everyday policing, the more tools you have to tell a story the better, and it provides clarification to the diverse perceptions following an incident and ensures everyone involved in policing interactions can be held accountable for their actions and responses, this includes our members and the general public.” 

However, Burgess made a specific comment aimed at tackling what he thought was negativity.

“I have read numerous negative social media comments about the hope these cameras will hold our members more accountable.  I strongly believe our members are already held accountable, I also believe the implementation of body cameras can paint a clearer picture of what truly happens when events unfold and our members are questioned about their response. 

“Despite what I’m reading on social media I want to ensure the public knows the RCMP members wearing these cameras strongly support the use of this tool and welcome the oversight it provides. There is no doubt the cameras will assist in providing evidence of offences, clarify conversations and interactions with the public and hold everyone involved accountable. I personally believe the use of body cameras in the RCMP is long overdue and my hope is every detachment across the country will soon have this tool at their disposal.”