Winnipeg Parking Authority wants to try out body cameras

The Winnipeg Parking Authority wants to its enforcement officers to try out wearing body cameras.

The city agency is asking council to approve $33,000 for a pilot project that would see enforcement officers wear cameras to reduce disputes with motorists, states a report that comes before council's innovation committee on Tuesday.

If the project works out, it will cost $178,000 to roll out next year but will eventually save $10,000 a year for the city, the parking authority estimates.

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"Acquisition of body cameras for parking bylaw enforcement officers will improve the city's accountability to citizens and review of bylaw enforcement officer conduct through objective video evidence," the agency's report to city council's innovation committee says. 

"Additionally, body cameras will enhance quality assurance and training practices and, through increased consistency in enforcement practices, generate increased revenue."

Body cameras will also come in handy when a new parking bylaw comes into effect that will allow enforcement officers to enter private property, the report states.

"Body cameras provide the ability for the enforcement officers to capture video evidence on private property and allow for review of action of enforcement officers in these instances, if required, should any citizen complaints arise," the agency writes.

"Timely resolution of these complaints will allow for the time currently spent responding to these complaints to be reallocated to other agency priorities. The availability of video footage will also allow for increased risk management and resolution of claims regarding damage to vehicles or property."