Hamilton police pitch body-worn cameras, again, with a new $11M price tag

Hamilton Police Service is askingfor $11 million to spend on body-worn cameras.

The police board was set to make a decision on Thursday but deferred the decision to a meeting where all members would be present. Board members Geordie Elms and Don Robertson, the board's newest member, missed Thursday's meeting.

The police service has explored the idea of cameras for a decade. In past years, community groups and members have saidthe technology would improve transparency and accountability, while others have worried about the privacy implications, the cost and whether the cameras would lead to more transparency and accountability.

The police board has previously turned down the idea four times.

On Thursday, Hamilton police pitched the program again after board member Dr. Anjali Menezes recently asked for an update on body-worn cameras.

The program would come with a $15.5 million price tag over five years but the total new cost to taxpayers is roughly $11 million becausethe police service is already spending $4.5 million on digital evidence management which will also be used for the cameras, said Sgt. Scott Moore, who led the body-worn camera presentation to the board.

The new $11 million in spending would incorporate 650 cameras from Axon and camera replacements at the 30- and 60-month phase of the contract. The purchase would result in all officers wearing them on while on duty.

It would also include some equipment and hiring five full-time digital evidence management clerks, a full-time support technician and a sergeant to serve as the program co-ordinator.

The service's recommendation report to the board on Thursday notes it will be a "substantial financial commitment" for the cameras, despite the fact "the true impact of these devices remains a topic of debate."

"While proponents argue that body-worn cameras can enhance officer safety, improve public trust, and provide valuable evidence in investigations, critics emphasize the potential strain on resources and the need for rigorous policies to govern their use," the report reads.

Board asks about privacy and phased-in approach

Mayor Andrea Horwath, who sits on the board,asked how police would considerpeople's privacy, particularly vulnerable people like those who live in encampments, and not erode public trust.

Frank Bergen, the city's police chief, said there would be clear direction on how the cameras are used and how much privacy vulnerable people would be afforded. He added the camerascould also be used to review interactions and better inform programs like the Rapid Support Intervention Team.

Moore noted not all police services are "buying into" body-worn cameras, but the service's presentation said investing in the technology would be "a clear statement of intent to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and justice."

Police association president Jaimi Bannon also said officers are in support of getting body-worn cameras.

Moore said cameras now have a better battery life, better resilience to climate and allow for easier storage options for footage.

He added the cameras could help with convictions because they would add more evidence that could be used in court.

Esther Pauls, a city councillor and board member, said she supports the use of cameras, but wanted to hold off on the decision until other board members could weigh in.

Menezes asked for more details on what a phased-in approach on body-worn cameras would look like.

Acting chair Fred Benninkalso asked for more information on how quickly the cameras could be phased in. Later in the meeting, Bennink said Thursday wouldbe his last meeting on the board.

Last year, police started rolling out licence plate readers and in-car cameras in most of its fleet.

In 2021, the service also started using drones, which eventually saw Ontario's privacy commissioner meet with Hamilton police to make changes to its policies around the technology.