Use of Technology
After receiving approval from the Police Governing Authority (PGA), the Anishinabek Police Service has (and continues to) deliver the Service’s Axon body-worn camera (BWC) program. After a successful pilot program at the Kettle and Stony Point Detachment, BWCs are now being used in frontline policing at the Kettle and Stony Point, Garden River, Fort William and Rocky Bay Detachments.
Body-worn cameras provide an unbiased, independent account of police/community interactions. They are an investment in the Anishinabek Police Service’s commitment to delivering accountable and transparent policing services. Whether they are used to legitimize an engagement between an officer and a member of the public, provide evidence in court, or offer an unbiased alternative to allegations of misconduct, every frontline APS officer will eventually be equipped with a body-worn camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Body-worn cameras are relatively small devices that record interactions between the public and police officers. The video and audio recordings can be used to enhance accountability, transparency, and public confidence.
Body-worn cameras provide an unbiased, independent account of police/community interactions. They are an investment in the Anishinabek Police Service’s commitment to delivering accountable and transparent policing services. Whether they are used to legitimize an engagement between an officer and a member of the public, provide evidence in court, or offer an unbiased alternative to allegations of misconduct, every frontline police officer will eventually be equipped with a body-worn camera.
Every frontline APS officer will eventually be equipped with a body-worn camera.
No, body-worn cameras are activated during specific operational duties, such as calls for service or investigations. Casual conversations unrelated to policing are not recorded.
Body-worn cameras are activated during: calls for service, investigations, law enforcement activities. They are turned off when those activities are completed or when the officer determines that continuous recording is no longer serving its intended purpose.
- inside a residence
- where there is exposure to private health information or medical treatment being received
- in a law office
- in a place of worship
- if people are nude or have exposed private body areas
- when children or youth are present, are victims, or are the subject of an investigation
- if victims or witnesses are reluctant to cooperate or ask officers not to record in a sensitive situation
If you are captured on a video or audio recording, and are not directly involved in the incident, your face will be blurred or sections of the video will be redacted, if the footage is going to be used in court proceedings.
Yes, unless there is a safety risk in doing so.
All officers will have the body-worn camera in plain view, and the camera has lights and notices indicating it has been activated. While officers aim to notify individuals when recording begins, the timing of this notice may vary depending on the context of the encounter.
- the officer becomes aware that the recording is in violation of the guidelines
- the officer has a reasonable belief that the recording is likely to compromise police tactical procedures or public safety, or inhibit their ability to gather information
Yes, a procedure has been approved and it provides officers with operational direction that includes but is not limited to recording in private and public places; retention and security of videos; and responsibilities for supervisors.
No, the body-worn cameras do not employ facial recognition or biometric analysis. Body-worn cameras are not used for surveillance or covert recording.
Viewing the recordings is restricted to investigation or training purposes, and in accordance with APS guidelines and policies. Only the officer who took the recording and other designated staff with approval can view the video. The system is designed to prevent tampering, ensuring the integrity of all recordings.
Recordings will only be released in accordance with Part 2 or Part 3 criteria in the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).
Recordings are stored securely within the Axon Digital Evidence Management System.
A recording is automatically deleted within 2 years unless there is a reason to retain it longer, such as for court purposes or an ongoing investigation. Once all court processes are complete, the recording will be deleted. They may also be kept for training purposes as long as that training remains relevant.
All requests to view the data must be made through the relevant provisions of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and through a Freedom of Information Request. Videos will only be deleted in accordance with retention periods.
APS officers are using Axon body cameras. For more info, please visit Axon’s website.