Calgary, Canada — Often in Canada, you can see police wearing body cameras. These cameras will be about the size of a pack of cards and attached to the front chest of their uniform. These cameras are meant to build trust and transparency between the police and people. It also improves safety for both the public and the police officers and helps with fast complaint resolution.
“They are important for fostering public trust and ensuring accountability during interaction, litigation and trials as well. The camera doesn’t lie,” said Criminal Defence Lawyer Tonii K. Roulston at Roulston Urquhart Criminal Defence.
Apart from their crucial benefits, there are a few things that everyone should know about police body cameras to protect your legal rights.
1. Who has the Access?
Not everyone has access to the footage. Lawyer Tonii states, “Body-worn cameras are generally utilized by patrol, traffic and specialty officers.” While not all regional police jurisdictions in the Alberta province wear these cameras, the Calgary Police Services do utilize them.
Access to this body-worn camera footage is restricted to specific individuals who are charged with criminal offenses and their legal counsel. These people have all the rights to access all the evidence gathered by the police, relating to their case. Additionally, the law has allowed courts to access if needed.
2. How Police Body Cameras Function?
“The body cameras are capable of capturing audio. Notably, they can automatically record the 30 seconds prior to switching on, often without sound.” The police officers have the discretion and the sole authority to decide when to turn the camera on and off when needed. However, it may raise the question of the accuracy and reliability of the video.
3. How to know if you are being recorded?
Well, it is totally dependent on the situation. Generally, when the body-worn camera is turned on, a small red light will appear. Since the camera will be attached to the front of the police officer’s chest visibility, you can see the light easily. However, sometimes, the police officer can disable this feature for safety concerns.
In Calgary, Police officers are advised to inform the individuals that they are being recorded, though the law hasn’t mandated it.
4. Why is Evidence of Police Body Cameras Reliable?
Police body cameras are considered more reliable and serve as a valuable tool for verification of claims made by the accused, accuser, or witnesses. “The footage can be used to validate key details with transparency and accountability since the memories of the people involved may blur over time”
Unlike cellphone footage from the public, which often captures only a part of an event/incident, body-worn cameras are able to document the entire incident, including actions and statements. It can be used to determine whether your rights are violated.
5. Is Sensitive Information Protected?
Recording an event or individual using a police body camera is covered by “the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.” Therefore you don’t need to be concerned about leakage of your private matters or any sensitive information from the footage.
“Every footage from the body-worn cameras will be subject to a thorough review and vetting before it comes accessible for reviewing. In case of any private matters of third parties involved in the case or sensitive content, the particular portions will be redacted from the video.” This may include blurring the faces of children or muting sensitive segments or witnesses’ private information.
The Importance of Police Body Cameras
As mentioned earlier, police body cameras ensure transparency, and accuracy and help with investigation. According to Tonii, “They play a vital role in defending yourself from criminal accusations. Experienced lawyers know how to analyze and identify any crucial details for your case and determine if your Charter rights are violated anywhere.
The lawyers at Roulston Urquhart Criminal Defence have significant experience in reviewing body camera footage and assisting individuals who are charged with criminal offenses. If you are navigating criminal charges, you can trust Tonii and her skilled team, who can review the footage in detail in conjunction with the other evidence and create a strategic defense for you. Call them at (825) 305 5033 or contact online.
Roulston Urquhart Criminal Defence
Roulston Urquhart Criminal Defence is a leading boutique law firm, specialising only in Criminal Defense Law. For over 40 years, they have successfully represented many clients in various types of criminal cases in the courts throughout Alberta as well as in British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Their portfolio showcases their ability to defend high-profile cases including homicides, fraud offences, aggravated, sexual, & domestic assault, internet crimes, weapons offenses, and drug offenses. They have been awarded by ThreeBestRated® as a top law firm in Calgary. More details are available on their website.
