The RCMP will not have body-worn cameras on their officers until the end of next year, at the earlier, says Blacklock’s Reporter..The Mounties have resisted demands for cameras dating from the videotaped 2007 death of a Vancouver man in police custody..“The procurement process is ongoing,” RCMP said in a statement..“The exact timeline for the body-worn camera rollout will be confirmed once a vendor is selected but it is expected to be in the first half of 2022.”.Adoption of cameras would take at least another 18 months, according to a Department of Public Safety briefing note..“It will take approximately 18 months for the majority of cameras to be rolled out nationally,” said the November 8 note..RCMP feasibility studies date from the 2007 death of Robert Dziekanski, a Polish immigrant who died after he was Tasered in police custody at Vancouver International Airport. Police at the time alleged Dziekanski threatened them with a weapon, a claim contradicted by a passerby’s cellphone video..Two RCMP members were convicted of perjury in the case..“It is critically important for Canadians to feel protected by the police and the RCMP is committed to taking the necessary steps to enhance trust between the RCMP and the communities it serves,” said the briefing note..Requiring Mounties to wear body cameras “will lead to increased public trust and confidence, more timely resolutions of public complaints and improved police and public behaviour,” it said..Prime Minister Justin Trudeau two years ago endorsed cameras but stopped short of setting a deadline to mandate their use..“Many people in this country simply do not feel protected by the police,” Trudeau told reporters June 8, 2020..“What firm steps will you take immediately?” asked a reporter..“Body cameras are a significant step towards transparency and we’re going to work on that,” replied Trudeau..Cabinet last November 30 said it would budget $238.5 million over six years for a National Body Worn Camera Program..RCMP in 2015 rejected use of body cams following tests at its Regina academy..“To date no camera has been identified that meets all of the RCMP’s needs,” the Mounties wrote in a notice at the time..Management cited problems with battery durability in winter conditions, and concerns that “cameras do not always adequately capture the incident due to mounting difficulties.”
