At the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS), we’re committed to building stronger relationships with our community by enhancing transparency, accountability, and trust in policing.

 That’s why, along with the Regional Municipality of Niagara Police Service Board, we are exploring the use of Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs)—a modern tool designed to benefit both officers and the public.

 

We want to hear from you.

 

Your input matters as we determine how this technology fits into the future of policing in Niagara.

 

Join the Conversation

We’re hosting Community Open Houses to discuss key topics, including:

  • Public & Officer Safety – Enhancing security while promoting responsible policing.
  • Privacy & Data Protection – Safeguarding personal information and ensuring ethical data use.
  • Community Trust & Engagement – Strengthening connections between police services and residents.
  • Transparency & Accountability – Supporting impartial policing through recorded interactions.

 

Attend an Open House

This is your opportunity to ask questions, share your thoughts, and be part of shaping a safer, more accountable future for Niagara.

Check out the Open House schedule below and join the conversation:

  • Dates, times and locations coming soon.  

 

We want to hear from you. 

Your input matters as we determine how this technology fits into the future of policing in Niagara. 

TAKE THE SURVEY

 

Transparency and Accountability

Body-worn cameras (BWCs) are small devices worn by police officers to record interactions with the public. These cameras aim to increase trust, and improve safety.

What this means for you

When used effectively, BWCs make policing more transparent and accountable—building stronger relationships between police and the communities they serve.

Did you know?

  • A study found that BWCs reduced complaints against officers by 17% to 87% in different jurisdictions.
  • In some cities, use-of-force incidents dropped by 15% to 50% after BWCs were introduced.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do BWCs improve transparency?
  • Clear record of events: BWCs provide an objective record of police interactions, reducing uncertainty and disputes over what happened.
  • Public confidence: Studies show that communities with BWC programs tend to have greater trust in police actions.
  • Reduced complaints: Research finds that BWCs can lead to fewer complaints against officers, as both police and members of the public are aware their actions are being recorded.
 

How do BWCs improve accountability?
  • Officer conduct: BWCs encourage professional behaviour by both police and the public. Officers wearing BWCs are more likely to follow policies and de-escalate situations.
  • Stronger evidence: Video footage provides an unbiased record that can be used in investigations, court cases, and internal reviews.
  • Fewer Use-of-Force incidents: Research suggests that BWCs may reduce the likelihood of force being used during encounters.
 

How is BWC footage used?
  • Investigations: Video can help confirm details in police reports and witness statements.
  • Court cases: Footage is used as evidence in trials, helping ensure fair outcomes.
  • Training & policy review: Police agencies use BWC footage to improve officer training and refine best practices.

 

Public and Officer Safety

Body-worn cameras aim to improve safety, transparency, and ensure accountability in policing.

What this means for you

BWCs not only make interactions safer by encouraging de-escalation but also help to protect the rights of both officers and members of the public by providing a clear account of events.

Did you know?

  • In a study conducted in the U.S., BWCs led to a 50% reduction in the use of force during police encounters.
  • Research also found that BWCs reduced complaints against officers by as much as 30% in some police services.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do BWCs contribute to safer interactions?
  • Encouraging professionalism: Knowing that interactions are recorded, both officers and members of the public are more likely to remain calm and behave professionally.
  • De-escalation tool: Research shows that when BWCs are visible, they can encourage calmer communication and reduce aggressive behaviour, helping to defuse tense situations.
 

How do BWCs improve safety for the public and officers?

 

  • Reduced complaints: BWCs help prevent misunderstandings, leading to fewer complaints against officers and a more accurate record of events in potential misconduct allegations.
  • Officer confidence: Officers report feeling safer knowing their actions are recorded, especially in high-risk situations, which can help to reduce stress during tense encounters.

 
 

How do BWCs support accurate evidence collection?
  • Reliable documentation: BWCs provide a clear, unbiased record of what happens during a police interaction, ensuring that all parties have access to accurate information.
  • Evidence for courts: In legal proceedings, BWC footage is used as crucial evidence to support claims from both the public and officers.
  • Improved investigations: Video footage can clarify the details of an incident, helping investigators gather facts and make more informed decisions.

 

Privacy and Data Collection

While body-worn cameras provide transparency and accountability, it’s important to ensure that privacy and data protection are maintained.

What this means for you

BWCs are designed to provide transparency while respecting privacy. Policies around when cameras are activated and how footage is handled protect both the public and officers from unnecessary intrusion.

Did you know?

  • Research shows that privacy concerns are addressed in BWC policies through strict regulations on footage access, ensuring the rights of the public are respected.
  • Many police services have developed clear protocols for recording in sensitive environments, ensuring that footage is only captured when necessary for safety or accountability.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

When and how are BWCs activated?
  • Officer initiated: Officers could activate BWCs when responding to calls, during arrests, or when interactions are expected to be high-risk.
  • Automatic activation: Some BWCs automatically activate when officers draw their weapons or when specific sensors are triggered (e.g., siren activation).
  • Officer discretion: In some cases, officers have the discretion to turn the camera off, such as in non-enforcement interactions, but clear policies would govern this.

 
 

How is footage stored and accessed?
  • Secure storage: BWC footage is securely stored in cloud-based servers, where it is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Limited access: Only authorized personnel, such as investigators or designated officers, can access the footage to ensure data privacy.
  • Retention period: Footage is retained for a specific period, depending on policies and legal requirements, after which it may be deleted unless required for an investigation or legal purposes.

 
 

How is privacy protected in sensitive situations?
  • Private homes: BWCs typically are not activated in private homes without consent, unless there’s a legal justification, such as a warrant or emergency situation.
  • Medical emergencies: BWCs may be turned off during medical emergencies to protect individuals' privacy and dignity.
  • Sensitive encounters: Police services have strict guidelines for when BWCs should not record, such as when interacting with vulnerable individuals or in confidential spaces.

 

Community Trust and Engagement

Body-worn cameras (BWCs) play a vital role in building stronger relationships between police services and the community. 

What this means for you

BWCs are a tool not just for policing, but for fostering transparency and accountability between police services and the community. When used well, they can help create safer, more connected neighbourhoods.

Did you know?

  • In cities with BWC programs, surveys show a 15-20% increase in community trust in police services.
  • Research indicates that BWC programs also promote greater public involvement in discussions about policing, leading to stronger community relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do BWCs strengthen trust?
  • Transparency in policing: By recording interactions, BWCs ensure that both police and members of the public have an accurate and unbiased account of events, which builds trust in the police service.
  • Reduction in tension: When the public knows that their interactions with police are being recorded, it can help reduce tension and promote more respectful encounters.
  • Building confidence in police services: Studies show that communities with BWC programs tend to have higher levels of trust in the police, as these cameras demonstrate a commitment to accountability.

 
 

What is the role of public input in shaping BWC policies?
  • Community engagement: Public feedback is crucial in shaping how BWC programs are implemented. Many police services actively seek input from community members to ensure that policies are fair and aligned with community values. Feedback from members of the public is important in shaping community safety strategies.
  • Transparency in policy making: Community involvement in policy decisions helps ensure that the public’s concerns about privacy, data use, and recording practices are addressed.
  • Shared responsibility: Public input fosters a sense of shared responsibility between the police and the community in creating safer neighbourhoods.
 

How do BWCs fit into broader policing strategies?
  • Focus on fairness: BWCs are part of a broader strategy to ensure fair policing. They support unbiased decision-making by providing an objective record of police actions and interactions.
  • Promoting justice: BWCs align with the goal of ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and fairness, both in police encounters and in the legal process.
  • Accountability for all: BWCs hold both police officers and the public accountable, helping ensure that police actions are justifiable and that the rights of civilians are respected.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 Who will wear Body-Worn Cameras?  
It is proposed that BWCs will be used by frontline officers, with a phased rollout beginning in January 2026.
 Why is the Niagara Regional Police Service introducing Body-Worn Cameras? 

BWCs enhance accountability, transparency, and trust. They provide unbiased records for court proceedings and help address complaints.
 
When are Body-Worn Cameras activated? 
Officers will activate their BWCs in situations requiring evidence collection, during enforcement actions, or when interacting with members of the public in operational contexts, as per NRPS policy.
 How will I know if I am being recorded? 
Officers will notify individuals whenever feasible. Additionally, most BWCs feature a visible indicator, such as a light or display, when recording.
What if I do not want to be recorded? 
Officers are required to follow NRPS policy regarding activation. While individuals may express concerns, officers must record when legally mandated.
Do the cameras use facial recognition? 
No, BWCs do not have facial recognition capabilities.
Where is the data stored, and how long is it kept? 
BWC footage is securely stored in accordance with legal requirements and NRPS policies. Retention periods vary based on the nature of the recorded incident.
Can the public access Body-Worn Camera footage? 
Access is governed by privacy laws. Requests for footage may be processed through formal channels such as freedom of information requests.
 
What training will officers receive before using Body-Worn Cameras? 
Officers will undergo comprehensive training on proper BWC use, data management, privacy considerations, and legal compliance.
What happens if an officer does not activate their Body-Worn Camera or follow procedures? 
Failure to comply with BWC policies may result in internal reviews and potential disciplinary actions.
How will Body-Worn Cameras improve safety? 
BWCs provide an objective record of events, aiding in accountability, evidence collection, and conflict de-escalation.
What measures protect individual privacy? 
The NRPS follows strict data management protocols, ensuring footage is used appropriately while balancing law enforcement needs and privacy rights.
Will officers have discretion to turn off their cameras? 
Officers must follow established policies. Certain exceptions, such as sensitive conversations or privileged communications, may permit deactivation in accordance with policy.
How will footage be used in investigations and court cases? 

BWC footage may be used as evidence in investigations and legal proceedings, subject to evidentiary and privacy laws.
Are there exceptions to data retention periods? 
Yes, retention times depend on case classification, with some recordings preserved longer if related to ongoing investigations or legal requirements.
Will Body-Worn Cameras increase officers workload? 
While BWCs require adherence to data management policies, they also streamline evidence collection, potentially reducing the time spent on documentation.