Peterborough Police Service Launches In-Car Camera System
The Peterborough Police Service is excited to announce that the In-Car Camera System is now operational.
Cameras have been installed and officers have been trained on the system which is in all marked and some unmarked cruisers. The system has two recording devices which are attached to the police vehicle. The devices are set to record audio and video for front facing activity outside the vehicle and within the prisoner-control area of the rear seat.
“This is important technology for your police service as it will help with transparency, accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness,” says Chief Stuart Betts. “But most importantly it’s about safety for the community and safety for officers.”
The system also includes an Automated License Plate Reader which will allow officers to be notified of drivers/vehicles that should not be on the road.
As part of the launch of this technology, the Peterborough Police Service has developed a procedure on their use. The document will guide how long the video is kept, how it is used for training and media purposes and who has access to it.
“The Peterborough Police Service is committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens and have developed a series of Frequently Asked Questions,” adds Chief Betts. “We have also developed a webpage with a feedback form. I have worked in an organization where this type of technology was used, and it proved to be invaluable as a source for capturing events that take place on our roadways. It’s hard to dispute something when it’s captured on video. In terms of accountability, I have used it to verify or refute claims of officer behaviour.”
The Service has created a video to show the public and the media what the cameras will see in and around the car.
View it here: https://youtu.be/C3ngcRHNKKA
FAQ's about In-Car Camera Systems
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What are In-Car Camera Systems? |
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The cameras in our police vehicles are manufactured by Axon. Essentially, they are high definition dashcams made specifically for law enforcement. The cameras we are using are integrated with an Automated License Plate Reader that is continuously scanning vehicle license plates. Both of these technologies have existed for many years, but this all-in-one integration makes the entire system more effective. Our forward-facing cameras are connected to a microphone an officer wears and captures all audio communication when the in-car camera system is active. Our vehicles are also equipped with a camera focused on the backseat of each vehicle. This is the area where people in custody are seated. |
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Peterborough Police are always talking about having no money, how did you pay for these? |
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We have been able to obtain this technology thanks to a provincial grant. There will be annual operating costs, but without the grants, we would not have been able to afford this technology or bring it to the streets of Peterborough, Lakefield and Cavan-Monaghan. |
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How many vehicles will have the technology? |
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Currently we have 25 vehicles with this technology. |
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How are the cameras activated? |
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Once the cameras are activated, there will be 30 seconds of footage captured prior to activation to help with additional context. The 30 seconds of footage is not audio recorded. The cameras are activated by several means, some automated and some manual. Once a camera has started to function, an Officer is required to record why they are deactivating the camera. |
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How will people know they are being recorded? |
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Officers are required, by our procedures, to notify people that they are being video / audio recorded when the cameras are active. We will also be installing stickers in the backseat area to further document that everything is being recorded. |
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Where is the video stored? |
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While in operation, the video is stored locally on an encrypted Hard Drive in each police vehicle. When the vehicle returns to the station, the video is uploaded to the secure storage dedicated for this purpose. |
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How long will the video be kept? |
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The videos are retained based on the record retention associated to the type of occurrence that is captured. For example, criminal matters will be retained longer than provincial ones (e.g. traffic stops). |
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What safeguards are in place to protect the privacy of people who have been recorded? |
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We have created strong rules around what can and cannot be recorded. Unlike body worn cameras, these cameras only record what is in view of the vehicle or activity in the back seat. Many vehicles operated by the public are equipped with personal dashcams, that are recording without anyone knowing. The difference with ours is that we will advise you when they are recording. |
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How will concerns to privacy be addressed? |
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Specific concerns about privacy can be directed to the chiefofpoliceoffice@peterborough.ca and they will be directed to the appropriate person to respond. |
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What if I am an innocent bystander and recorded? |
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The camera captures all images within their field of vision. If the video is to be released, for court or other purposes, we will utilize technology to assist with blurring faces of those people that are not involved in the matter being investigated. |
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Will the video be used for training and/or media purposes? |
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In addition to capturing evidence for court, the videos provide an excellent source for training (what went well, and what could be improved upon). At times we will be able to release video footage that may be of public interest or to assist with an investigation. |
Feedback?
Please email: chiefofpoliceoffice@peterborough.ca