Body cameras are not a luxury; they are a necessity in modern policing

A video has been circulating online showing Winnipeg Police shooting a man who reportedly stabbed another officer in the neck. Thankfully, the injured officer is recovering in hospital. However, the video only captures a few seconds of the incident, and it does not provide the full context of what transpired. Tragically, some individuals have been quick to make negative comments and attack the police based on these brief moments. We must resist the urge to pass judgment prematurely and instead allow the investigation to take its course. Making rash judgments without all the facts is not only irresponsible but also deeply unfair to those involved.

This incident has reignited the debate over body-worn cameras for police officers. As a former city councillor, I strongly advocated equipping our officers with body cameras. Unfortunately, my efforts were met with opposition and voted down by Scott Gillingham and Janice Lukes at a Community Committee meeting, not allowing it to be heard at City Council. Despite presenting evidence and data to support the case for body cameras, not one of these individuals requested the documents before voting against the proposal. Their decision was based on cost concerns, but their reasoning was flawed and, frankly, shortsighted.

Then, a motion moved by Chambers months after my initial motion was lost, and media pressure at the time suggested the cost would be $36 million. Through direct communication with Axon, a leading provider of body cameras, I discovered that Winnipeg could implement a body camera program for less than $2 million. Chambers also argued that the police service would need 1,500 cameras. This figure is absurd. Body cameras are necessary only for uniformed officers who respond to calls or patrol the streets. At any given time, fewer than 200 cameras would be in use. An additional 200 cameras would suffice to account for shift changes. There is a reasonable and cost-effective approach to equipping our officers with this essential technology.

It is baffling that those who opposed body cameras could justify spending millions of dollars on roadside art installations while rejecting a tool that directly enhances public safety. How can they put a price tag on lives? How can they justify funding projects with questionable benefits, like the million spent on art installations near roads over equipment that could save lives and improve trust between police and the community? The priorities of these decision-makers are, at best, misplaced.

Premier Wab Kinew has also failed to demonstrate leadership on this issue. His government recently announced the allocation of over $40 million to special interest and Indigenous groups in the last seven days. But talk of any meaningful investment in body cameras for the Winnipeg Police. It is worth noting that Minister Nahanni Fontaine and Minister Uzoma Asagwara of the Kinew NDP leadership team have been vocal about defunding the police. Is this reluctance to fund body cameras influenced by political alliances and ideology rather than what is best for public safety?

Body cameras are not a luxury; they are a necessity in modern policing. As a former chair of the Winnipeg Police Service Board, I have seen the challenges officers face daily. Policing is a high-stakes, high-pressure profession where decisions must often be made in seconds. Body cameras provide an objective record of these interactions, offering protection for both officers and the public. They ensure that the actions of officers are viewed within the proper context, protecting them from false accusations of misconduct.

For the public, body cameras promote transparency and accountability. They provide a clear and unbiased account of events, reducing speculation and preventing misinformation from spreading. When questions arise about an officer’s actions, the footage can quickly clarify the facts, building trust between the community and law enforcement. In many cases, body camera footage has exonerated officers who were unjustly accused and has provided critical evidence in investigations.

Moreover, the presence of body cameras often de-escalates potentially volatile situations. Knowing they are being recorded, individuals are more likely to remain calm and cooperative, reducing the likelihood of conflicts escalating. Studies have shown that incidents of violence and aggression decrease when body cameras are in use. This creates a safer environment for officers, suspects, and bystanders alike.

Critics of body cameras often cite cost and privacy concerns. While these considerations are valid, they pale in comparison to the benefits. Body cameras enhance safety, accountability, and trust—three pillars of effective policing. The financial cost of body cameras is minimal compared to the expenses associated with legal disputes, damaged reputations, and strained community relations. As for privacy, appropriate policies and training can ensure that body cameras are used responsibly, balancing transparency with individual rights.

During my time on the Winnipeg Police Service Board, I supported the adoption of body cameras because I believed in their potential to protect officers and the public. They are not a panacea for all the challenges facing policing, but they are a critical tool for building trust and reducing conflict. Officers deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing their actions are documented and can be reviewed fairly. Citizens deserve the assurance that interactions with law enforcement are conducted professionally and transparently.

The refusal to fund body cameras is a failure of leadership at both the municipal and provincial levels. Mayor Gillingham and Premier Kinew must stop playing political games and take decisive action. The political spin and inaction are unacceptable. If they truly care about public safety and accountability, they will prioritize the implementation of body cameras for the Winnipeg Police Service. It is time to move beyond excuses and make this investment in our community’s safety and trust.

Body cameras are not just a tool for policing; they are a step toward fostering a safer, more transparent, and more accountable society. Let’s stop debating their value and start equipping our officers with the resources they need to protect themselves and the public.