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Police move ahead with body worn cameras

The Calgary Police Service is moving ahead with body-worn cameras.

In a news release, officials revealed Tuesday that they are launching the hands-on testing phase of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Body Worn cameras.

Front-line officers in a variety of locations will test 47 cameras from three different suppliers and the hands on testing will take approximately three months.

They are hoping to have 250 cameras deployed by the end of year based on the specifications in the RFP.

The hope is that this will allow them to enhance transparency, collection of evidence, enhance officer accountability, protect officers from unfounded allegations of misconduct and de-escalate a situation.

They’re not commenting any further in hopes of protecting the integrity of the process.

660 NEWS reached Calgary Police Association President Les Kaminski for his thoughts on the manner.

In a statement, Kaminski writes:

“The Calgary Police Association understands the benefits and fully supports issuing the body-worn cameras to our members. The statistics clearly show that in all jurisdictions that have deployed this tool, the incidence of complaints against officers drops dramatically. Also, the number of criminal prosecutions against members in the execution of their duties is reduced significantly. These cameras will provide another perspective and provide answers to questions which may arise during the course of our duties. We have been waiting for this tool for a very long time, and look forward to finally getting them.”

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