The Hamilton Police Service Board (HPSB) approved the implementation of body-worn cameras at its June 27 meeting. Since 2015, the Service has provided the HPSB with reports on body-worn cameras and monitored their efficacy across the country. Currently, 17 police services in Ontario have adopted the technology, with an additional 18 considering it.
Courts encourage the use of body-worn cameras because they can offer an unbiased view of interactions between police and the public and capture critical evidence. In April 2024, Board members expressed concern about the cost of implementing the technology. The Service revised the plan, reducing the budget from $15.5 million to under $9.6 million over the next five years and decreasing the number of cameras from 650 to 500.
This move aligns with the Service’s Strategic Plan to leverage technology and innovation with the goal of modernization. The aim is to increase transparency and accountability in public interactions while enhancing public and officer safety.