The Upper Ottawa Valley OPP is now wearing body cameras as part of their gear.
Media Relations Officer Shawn Peever says the training started in the summer and fall of 2022 and adds all of the detachment is now equipped. Officers with the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP were trained at the East Region headquarters in Smiths Falls. Peever says they received in-class and scenario based training to capture the best video footage in case it’s needed. Peever says the data is stored in a Canadian based cloud system and adds the OPP can use the recordings for court purposes, but will redact people who are not involved.
The Upper Ottawa Valley OPP Media Relations Officers says the body cameras are green when they are in “ready mode” and when the circle around the camera turns red they are recording video and audio.
Peever says the patrol vehicles also have cameras that can scan thousands of license plates per hour with an automated license plate recognition system.
Peever says the OPP is in favour of using tools and technology to help collect better evidence, demonstrate accountability and transparency, and also enhance public and officer safety.
(written by: Rudy Kadlec)