Edmonton police begin service-wide use of body cameras [Video]

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has started issuing body-worn cameras to its officers as part of a service-wide roll out.

“Body-worn cameras are a helpful tool for everyone when it comes to police interactions,” said Deputy Chief Darren Derko with the EPS Community Policing Bureau.

“Wearing the cameras builds trust with the public and it can give valuable insight as an investigative tool,” he added.

“It’s long overdue,” said lawyer Heather Steinke-Attia.

“There are many other jurisdictions which have had them for some time and I believe it is a necessary step towards accountability and transparency,” she added.

Edmonton police began testing possible camera options after the provincial government last year directed police agencies across Alberta to work toward adopting body-worn cameras.

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Thirty-five officers on the High Risk Encampment Teams, Healthy Streets Operations Centre Community Safety Teams, and Community Safety Teams began wearing …