Body-worn cameras are video and audio-recording devices attached to a Garda's clothing, which will retain audio and video footage when a Garda switches them on. Garda acting deputy commissioner with security, strategy and governance, Paul Cleary, said: "They will assist our personnel in the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of criminal offences and will also be a key piece of equipment for An Garda Síochána into the future."
Some grocery stores owned by Sobeys Inc. are the latest Toronto stores to test body-worn cameras. In a statement, the retailer confirmed it's piloting the project after the bodycams were spotted on FreshCo cashiers in a store located at Sherbourne and Isabella streets. The cameras are being used to combat harassment and assault directed toward employees and to prevent shoplifting and other crimes, Sobeys spokesperson Caitlin Gray said.
James appeared on his computer monitor, framed by the U.S. and the New York State flags. She explained that the videos were from body-worn cameras that the officers had on "at the time of the incident." The cameras had been powered on, but not activated, so the officers did not realize they were recording. "These videos are shocking and disturbing," James said. "I encourage taking caution before viewing."
"So, if a Taser comes out and is activated, we will be able to sync it to our cameras, it will turn on the other cameras," said Vigil. "But more importantly, we will be able to track and pull the data from the Taser when it's used." Vigil said the department is unable to do that now because the Tasers are "outdated and they don't talk to the computer system," making it harder to view data when officers utilize them.
