Port Moody Police Department officers now using body-worn cameras

In an effort to increase accountability, Port Moody Police Department frontline officers will start using body-worn cameras later this year.

A few officers are currently using the uniform-mounted cameras, which record interactions that can later be used as evidence.

Officers are supposed to switch on their cameras “as soon as practical” when responding to a call or dealing with the public. Officers are also supposed to inform the person on camera that they’re being recorded.

There may also be times when officers: “use discretion not to record interactions that are sensitive in nature including in healthcare settings, places of worship and in courtrooms,” according to a release from the Port Moody Police Department.

PMPD Chief Constable David Fleugel called the introduction of cameras: “an important milestone” for the department and the public.

“These cameras provide an impartial record of interactions, enhance transparency and accountability and help strengthen public trust,” he stated.

The cameras should also provide: “greater clarity during complex incidents,” he stated.

The full rollout of frontline officers using cameras is set to be complete later this year.

The department has grappled with the subject of body-worn cameras over the past few years.

Discussing the issue in 2022, police board member Dave Fox suggested the department didn’t feel the issue was a priority, noting the expense and the city’s relatively low crime rate.

Besides paying for the cameras, the department would also need to invest in data storage and to hire a staffer that could retrieve, edit and vet footage.

Throughout B.C., approximately 1,650 body-worn cameras are being used by RCMP frontline officers. Cameras are used at 90 out of 185 RCMP detachments.

Another 3,600 cameras are set to be in use by the fall of 2027.