Sask. Federation of Police Officers OK with body cameras

Casey Ward, acting president of the Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers, says people in law enforcement are open to having body worn video cameras.

"The Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers are always open to any technology that's going to enhance the efficiencies of our police officers," Ward told CBC News in a recent interview.

The latest examination of a body camera system is set to take place at the RCMP training academy, also known as Depot Division, in Regina.

The RCMP have purchased, from four different companies, 32 cameras and plan to have cadets wear them as they go through various scenarios.

"The pilot at Depot provides a unique opportunity to collect considerable data in a low risk environment during active physical situations on a structured daily/weekly basis with a focus on repeatable testing regarding the durability of the camera equipment," RCMP noted in an email to CBC News. "Depot trials allow camera characteristics to be accurately measured to support evaluation of RCMP requirements for the technology against repeatable incidents involving use of force interventions."

The RCMP said the pilot project in Regina test will run until March. The RCMP noted that a number of policy issues would also have to be addressed as well including questions about privacy and when the cameras should be activated.

Ward told CBC News that video evidence can be very valuable.

"People in court get to see first hand how impaired the person is, the people that are stumbling, falling down, the car that's weaving, hitting things. So it is first hand knowledge of what the officers see everyday and what they've seen on that call," Ward said.

Ward's group is an umbrella organization for police associations from Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Weyburn and Estevan.