The Rama Police Service would like to introduce the Community to a new tool that will be utilized by the front-line officers while on duty. If you interact with our officers, you may observe a device on the front of their vest/uniform.

• This device is called a Body-Worn Camera or BWC. The Rama Police areimplementing the BWC as a method to ensure transparency to the public, c ommunity and courts. BWC provides an unbiased, independent account of police/community interactions. The Rama Police Service Board and Rama Police Service are committed to delivering accountable and transparent policing service. BWC footage provides valuable insight that can legitimize officer-public interactions, provide evidence in court, and offer an unbiased alternative to allegations of misconduct. Every frontline Rama Police Officer will be equipped with a BWC enhancing service delivery.

  These devices are vital tools in modern policing, offering numerous benefits to both law enforcement and the community. Above all, a commitment to excellence, professionalism, and community well-being drives this project.

  Rama Police Officers will have the BWC in plain view, and the camera has lights and indicators showing it as been activated. Officers are trained to give notice as soon as reasonably possible that a BWC is in operation.

  Rama Police Officers will turn on the BWC prior to arriving at a call for service; at the earliest
  opportunity, prior to any contact with a member of the public, and where that contact is for an investigative or enforcement purpose.

  The BWC are DEACTIVATED when:
  ● Calls, investigations, or enforcement actions are complete.
  ● Recording sensitive scenarios, such as:
  -> Strip searches.
  -> Hospitals (with exceptions).
  -> Schools (with exceptions).
  -> Courthouses, unless legally required or in exigent circumstances.
  -> Religious or cultural ceremonies, unless permission is granted or required for enforcement.

Rama Police Service have conducted a review of guidelines and procedures developed by our partner police agencies as it relates to the use and privacy impacts of BWCs. Procedures have been created to address potential privacy concerns and to ensure the security of the video once it has been recorded.

The Rama Police Service along with Rama Police Service Board supports the implementation and use of tools or technologies that enable collecting better evidence, demonstrate greater accountability and transparency, and enhance public and officer safety in the communities we serve.