The next phase of the body worn camera (BWC) project is set to begin in Durham Region, with DRPS yesterday announcing it has reached an agreement with AXON Public Safety Canada Inc, to provide the DRPS with body worn cameras (BWC).
The findings of the BWC pilot project were presented to the Police Services Board in September 2020. The board recommended the adoption of BWC as a part of their draft Action Plan for Enhancing Trust and Confidence in Policing in Durham Region. On February 24, 2021, the funding was approved by Regional Council.
The contract is for a 5-year term beginning June 29, 2021 and will provide up to 600 cameras and related software to our officers. The cost to DRPS of this contract is approximately $882,000 per annum for a total of $4.4 million over the 5-year term.
DRPS will now conduct a phased deployment across the region. The 2021 budget includes $2.03 million in funding for this new program. The funding includes costs for technology, services, training and staffing to support this new program.
In this current phase, the BWC team has begun structuring the training, and the BWCs will be deployed to uniformed front-line officers in the community police offices covering the areas of Pickering, Ajax and communities in north Durham beginning September 2021.
DRPS will be continuing our community consultation throughout the program by engaging with community partners and stakeholders. The DRPS welcomes any feedback and invites the community to visit our website for continuous updates and further information.
The DRPS also invites anyone that has any concerns or questions to contact the BWC office at BWC@drps.ca.