Police officers across the South Okanagan and Similkameen are now sporting body cameras on the job.
The regional RCMP detachment said it began rolling out the equipment to its members on March 10.
“The implementation of body-worn cameras is a significant step forward in our efforts to build stronger relationships with the community," said Supt. Beth McAndie of the Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen RCMP. "These cameras will provide an objective record of police interactions, help resolve complaints, and improve transparency in relation to police and public interactions."
The local RCMP detachment said it has begun to equip officers who have operational interactions with the public, including any frontline members and federal policing positions such as the Indigenous Policing Service.
Body cameras will be activated during law enforcement encounters, including traffic stops, arrests, and "other situations where officers engage with the public," a press release reads.
“We are excited to be rolling out this program within our community as we recognize the importance of trust between law enforcement and the public,” said Sgt. Bob Vatamaniuck of the Penticton RCMP. “By implementing body-worn cameras, we aim to reinforce our dedication to fair and professional policing.”
More than 10,000 body cameras will be rolled out across Canada when the national program is complete. In B.C., the RCMP began deploying the equipment to its members in late 2024.
The cameras and Digital Evidence Management Services (DEMS) will cost an estimated $3,000 per user each year, police said.
According to the Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen RCMP, other objectives of the body cameras include:
• Strengthening transparency, accountability, and public trust
• Resolving public complaints more quickly
• Improving interactions between the public and police
• Improving evidence-gathering
