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By Canadian Press

Provincial Politics

‘A transformational decision’: Alberta requiring body cameras for all police services

Mar 14, 2023 | 1:21 PM

EDMONTON – Alberta plans to require all police services in the province to use body cameras.

Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis says officers often respond to calls that are complex and make split-second decisions.

He says that can raise concerns from the public about actions that have been taken and whether appropriate force was used.

Ellis says the decision is transformational and would ensure all interactions with officers are objective in both large cities and smaller rural communities.

He says Alberta would be the first province to mandate body cameras.

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The government will work with the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police to develop the mandate and standards required as well as working out costs and logistics.

Alberta NDP Justice Critic Irfan Sabir issued the following statement in response:

“We support increased transparency in order to build trust between law enforcement and communities.

“However, there are no timelines, no funding, and a lack of clarity regarding how the vast amount of data generated by body-worn cameras will be managed.

“Meanwhile, there is a massive backlog of cases at ASIRT. If the UCP was serious about transparency they would be focused on clearing this backlog so law enforcement is held accountable and Albertans have access to justice.

“Once again, this is a desperate attempt by Danielle Smith and the UCP to look like they’re taking action on the eve of an election without any real plan.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 14, 2023.

The Canadian Press

(With files from rdnewsNOW)