Just over a year ago, the Manitoba RCMP started providing its officers with body-worn cameras.
Across Manitoba, nearly 650 RCMP officers have been trained and equipped with the body-worn camera system.
Scott McMurchy is the assistant commissioner with the Manitoba RCMP.
"I am pleased to announce that the province-wide rollout of our body-worn camera system to our frontline officers is very nearly complete," said McMurchy. "In fact, 98 per cent of all officers working frontline policing duties in detachments across Manitoba are equipped with body cameras."
McMurchy says the cameras have provided frontline officers with many useful tools that make everyday policing easier. That includes taking statements, obtaining photos of scenes, evidence, and suspects.
The cameras have been essential to many investigations and have contributed directly to enhancing the trust and accountability with the communities the RCMP serve.
"From those cameras, the Manitoba RCMP has accumulated nearly 175,000 pieces of evidence in the form of videos, images, audio statements, and documents," ended McMurchy. "More than 1,500 digital case shares of evidence have been compiled from body-worn cameras and provided to the Manitoba Prosecution Service. These numbers are growing rapidly each day."
The RCMP released a video showing officers on duty with their body cameras. This includes a bust in Dauphin. You can watch it here.
