Body-Worn Cameras (BWC)

At the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS), we are committed to strengthening public trust by enhancing transparency and accountability in all aspects of our work. As part of this commitment, we have been exploring the use of Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs)—a modern policing tool intended to benefit both officers and the communities we serve.

On January 23, 2025, the NRPS presented an update to the Niagara Police Services Board on the use of BWCs by police services across Ontario and Canada. Following this presentation, the Board approved a motion directing NRPS to conduct a community consultation process to inform both the public and our members about the proposed BWC program and to gather feedback.

From March 7 to April 4, 2025, NRPS led a comprehensive community consultation that included in-person and online engagement across multiple locations. The process reached a broad cross-section of the Niagara Region and included feedback from NRPS members. In total, 2,780 individuals participated.

Based on the feedback received, the Police Services Board approved the implementation of a Body-Worn Camera Program on April 24, 2025. The program will be included as part of the NRPS 2026 Capital and Operating Budget deliberations.

We invite you to explore the results of the public consultation and the feedback gathered from community leaders and residents through the links below:

Transparency and Accountability

Body-worn cameras (BWCs) are small devices worn by police officers to record interactions with the public. These camerasaim to increase trust, and improve safety.

What this means for you

When used effectively, BWCs make policing more transparent and accountable—building stronger relationships between police and the communities they serve.

Did you know?

  • A study found that BWCs reduced complaints against officers by 17% to 87% in different jurisdictions.
  • In some cities, use-of-force incidents dropped by 15% to 50% after BWCs were introduced.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Clear record of events: BWCs provide an objective record of police interactions, reducing uncertainty and disputes over what happened.
  • Public confidence: Studies show that communities with BWC programs tend to have greater trust in police actions.
  • Reduced complaints: Research finds that BWCs can lead to fewer complaints against officers, as both police and members of the public are aware their actions are being recorded.

  • Officer conduct: BWCs encourage professional behaviour by both police and the public. Officers wearing BWCs are more likely to follow policies and de-escalate situations.
  • Stronger evidence: Video footage provides an unbiased record that can be used in investigations, court cases, and internal reviews.
  • Fewer Use-of-Force incidents: Research suggests that BWCs may reduce the likelihood of force being used during encounters.

  • Investigations: Video can help confirm details in police reports and witness statements.
  • Court cases: Footage is used as evidence in trials, helping ensure fair outcomes.
  • Training & policy review: Police agencies use BWC footage to improve officer training and refine best practices.

Public and Officer Safety

Body-worn camerasaim to improve safety, transparency, and ensure accountability in policing.

What this means for you

BWCs not only make interactions safer by encouraging de-escalation but also help to protect the rights of both officers and members of the public by providing a clear account of events.

Did you know?

  • In a study conducted in the U.S., BWCs led to a 50% reduction in the use of force during police encounters.
  • Research also found that BWCs reduced complaints against officers by as much as 30% in some police services.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Encouraging professionalism: Knowing that interactions are recorded, both officers and members of the public are more likely to remain calm and behave professionally.
  • De-escalation tool: Research shows that when BWCs are visible, they can encourage calmer communication and reduce aggressive behaviour, helping to defuse tense situations.

  • Reduced complaints: BWCs help prevent misunderstandings, leading to fewer complaints against officers and a more accurate record of events in potential misconduct allegations.
  • Officer confidence: Officers report feeling safer knowing their actions are recorded, especially in high-risk situations, which can help to reduce stress during tense encounters.

  • Reliable documentation:BWCs provide a clear, unbiased record of what happens during a police interaction, ensuring that all parties have access to accurate information.
  • Evidence for courts:In legal proceedings, BWC footage is used as crucial evidence to support claims from both the public and officers.
  • Improved investigations:Video footage can clarify the details of an incident, helping investigators gather facts and make more informed decisions.

Privacy and Data Collection

While body-worn camerasprovide transparency and accountability, it’s important to ensure that privacy and data protection are maintained.

What this means for you

BWCs are designed to provide transparency while respecting privacy. Policies around when cameras are activated and how footage is handled protect both the public and officers from unnecessary intrusion.

Did you know?

  • Research shows that privacy concerns are addressed in BWC policies through strict regulations on footage access, ensuring the rights of the public are respected.
  • Many police services have developed clear protocols for recording in sensitive environments, ensuring that footage is only captured when necessary for safety or accountability.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Officer initiated:Officers could activate BWCs when responding to calls, during arrests, or when interactions are expected to be high-risk.
  • Automatic activation:Some BWCs automatically activate when officers draw their weapons or when specific sensors are triggered (e.g., siren activation).
  • Officer discretion:In some cases, officers have the discretion to turn the camera off, such as in non-enforcement interactions, but clear policies would govern this.

  • Secure storage: BWC footage is securely stored in cloud-based servers, where it is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Limited access: Only authorized personnel, such as investigators or designated officers, can access the footage to ensure data privacy.
  • Retention period: Footage is retained for a specific period, depending on policies and legal requirements, after which it may be deleted unless required for an investigation or legal purposes.

  • Private homes: BWCs typically are not activated in private homes without consent, unless there’s a legal justification, such as a warrant or emergency situation.
  • Medical emergencies: BWCs may be turned off during medical emergencies to protect individuals' privacy and dignity.
  • Sensitive encounters: Police services have strict guidelines for when BWCs should not record, such as when interacting with vulnerable individuals or in confidential spaces.

Community Trust and Engagement

Body-worn cameras (BWCs) play a vital role in building stronger relationships between police services and the community.

What this means for you

BWCs are a tool not just for policing, but for fostering transparency and accountability between police services and the community. When used well, they can help create safer, more connected neighbourhoods.

Did you know?

  • In cities with BWC programs, surveys show a 15-20% increase in community trust in police services.
  • Research indicates that BWC programs also promote greater public involvement in discussions about policing, leading to stronger community relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Transparency in policing: By recording interactions, BWCs ensure that both police and members of the public have an accurate and unbiased account of events, which builds trust in the police service.
  • Reduction in tension: When the public knows that their interactions with police are being recorded, it can help reduce tension and promote more respectful encounters.
  • Building confidence in police services: Studies show that communities with BWC programs tend to have higher levels of trust in the police, as these cameras demonstrate a commitment to accountability.

  • Community engagement: Public feedback is crucial in shaping how BWC programs are implemented. Many police services actively seek input from community members to ensure that policies are fair and aligned with community values. Feedback from members of the public is important in shaping community safety strategies.
  • Transparency in policy making: Community involvement in policy decisions helps ensure that the public’s concerns about privacy, data use, and recording practices are addressed.
  • Shared responsibility: Public input fosters a sense of shared responsibility between the police and the community in creating safer neighbourhoods.

  • Focus on fairness: BWCs are part of a broader strategy to ensure fair policing. They support unbiased decision-making by providing an objective record of police actions and interactions.
  • Promoting justice: BWCs align with the goal of ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and fairness, both in police encounters and in the legal process.
  • Accountability for all: BWCs hold both police officers and the public accountable, helping ensure that police actions are justifiable and that the rights of civilians are respected.

Frequently Asked Questions:

It is proposed that BWCs will be used by frontline officers, with a phased rollout beginning in January 2026.

BWCs enhance accountability, transparency, and trust. They provide unbiased records for court proceedings and help address complaints.

Officers will activate their BWCs in situations requiring evidence collection, during enforcement actions, or when interacting with members of the public in operational contexts, as per NRPS policy.

Officers will notify individuals whenever feasible. Additionally, most BWCs feature a visible indicator, such as a light or display, when recording.

Officers are required to follow NRPS policy regarding activation. While individuals may express concerns, officers must record when legally mandated.

No, BWCs do not have facial recognition capabilities.

BWC footage is securely stored in accordance with legal requirements and NRPS policies. Retention periods vary based on the nature of the recorded incident.

Access is governed by privacy laws. Requests for footage may be processed through formal channels such as freedom of information requests.

Officers will undergo comprehensive training on proper BWC use, data management, privacy considerations, and legal compliance.

Failure to comply with BWC policies may result in internal reviews and potential disciplinary actions.

BWCs provide an objective record of events, aiding in accountability, evidence collection, and conflict de-escalation.

The NRPS follows strict data management protocols, ensuring footage is used appropriately while balancing law enforcement needs and privacy rights.

Officers must follow established policies. Certain exceptions, such as sensitive conversations or privileged communications, may permit deactivation in accordance with policy.

BWC footage may be used as evidence in investigations and legal proceedings, subject to evidentiary and privacy laws.

Yes, retention times depend on case classification, with some recordings preserved longer if related to ongoing investigations or legal requirements.

While BWCs require adherence to data management policies, they also streamline evidence collection, potentially reducing the time spent on documentation.