RCMP in Halifax, across Nova Scotia rolling out body cameras

Nearly 20 Mounties are now using body cameras in the Halifax area, with more training rolling out across the region in the coming months.

About 60 RCMP officers across Nova Scotia took part in the pilot project for the cameras last year, including some in the Halifax area. An RCMP spokesperson said about 18 officers are using cameras within Halifax Regional Municipality.

Supt. Don Moser, officer in charge of Halifax RCMP, spoke to the city's board of police commissioners Wednesday. He said training for new front-line officers is happening in Musquodoboit Harbour and with theCommunity Action Response Teammembers starting next week.

Detachments in Sheet Harbour and North Preston follow in January, then Tantallon, Cole Harbour and Sackville officers will get the training and cameras through February and March.

"That phased-in approach, you'll see that unfolding in your communities," Moser told the board.

He said the RCMP has consulted with various communities about the camerasand answered residents' questions. He said they often have people wanting to know more about how long videos are retained, the security around the video files, and when officers will wear the cameras.

"Great questions, great engagement. I would group it all in the category of very positive," Moser said after the meeting.

"I think that transparency is something that everybody welcomes."

The RCMP expect 600 front-line officers in Nova Scotia, including 150 in the Halifax region, to have the cameras by next spring.

Once an officer completes the training, they're issued a camera to wear while on duty.

An online FAQ page from the RCMP said the cameras will be used during most service calls and investigations, including mental calls and protests, but won't be for 24-hour recording, surveillance or intimate searches.

Halifax Regional Policeare also exploring bringing in body-worn cameras.

The force has said it would cost about $2.4 million per year, plus staffing costs, and those details will be debated in the municipality's next budget season.