Fredericton police body cam testing going ahead after RCMP puts plan on hold

The Fredericton Police Force is pushing ahead with its plan to test body cameras in the new year after the RCMP put its plan to test them on hold.

Stephen Chase, chair of the city's public safety and environment committee, said while the city could consider some of issues the RCMP has experienced with body cameras, the forces are in two different positions.

"I would remind you that this is a pilot project. We don't have any commitments to purchase any specific gear. We are going to be testing a product that is different from the model and manufacturer the RCMP use," said Chase.

• RCMP decides not to outfit officers with body-worn cameras 
• 6 Fredericton police officers set to wear body cameras

In a memo obtained by CBC News, the RCMP Deputy Commissioner Kevin Brosseau questioned the quality of the technology.

"The potential implementation of BWC [body-worn cameras] would require that the RCMP purchase thousands of units to be distributed in over 750 detachments," said Brosseau.

"The RCMP needs to have confidence in the product and ensure that the choice of technology justifies the investment at this time."

Chase said the quality of the body cameras is something the force is focused on.

"The equipment needs to be durable. It needs to be able to operate with reasonable battery longevity including cold weather," said Chase.

"One of the advantages though for us in testing it in January, February cold weather is that we will get to assess the battery durability under those conditions."

Chase said if the body cameras aren't a fit for the force, they aren't tied down.

"If it doesn't work, if it doesn't meet the operational needs of the Fredericton Police Force, then we'll move on,"

The 90-day pilot program will see six officers wear body cameras some time in the new year. The official start date hasn't been set.