Iqaluit RCMP to use body cameras in pilot project beginning later this year

The Government of Canada has approved use of body cameras by Iqaluit RCMP in a pilot project that will help guide the use of the technology for Mounties in remote communities across Canada.

It's expected the devices will be deployed before the end of the year.

However, the federal government is still examining how to manage the massive data files associated with video recordings from every officer's shift in remote communities with limited infrastructure, if the initiative is to eventually go territory-wide.

Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of the RCMP, posted a Request for Information this week to find an industry partner who can help with that issue.

"Once the RCMP finishes gathering vendor information and secures funding, the RCMP will work with federal partners on a contract bidding process, anticipated early next year," the Government of Canada stated in a Wednesday news release.

Chief Supt. Amanda Jones, the commanding officer of Nunavut's V Division RCMP, stated, "Since taking on the responsibility of leading the RCMP's dedicated employees in providing policing services to the people of Nunavut, I have been committed to ensuring they have the training and tools needed to serve the North. Body-worn cameras in Iqaluit will help strengthen accountability and public trust of the RCMP in the community."

Nunavut Senator Dennis Patterson convened a roundtable in June to examine the obstacles that were preventing body cameras from being deployed in the territory.

“Most people around the room were impatient to see something get going, especially after we heard how well things seem to have gone in Nunavik (with the local police force),” Patterson said at the time.