City council in Renfrew, Ont., is contemplating giving their solely bylaw officer a physique digital camera to enhance the worker’s security and promote accountability.
Renfrew’s emergency providers committee can be voting on a physique digital camera coverage on Tuesday.
In response to a doc submitted to the committee in preparation for the vote, bylaw officers take care of points similar to parking violations, animal management and noise complaints.
“Nonetheless, the character of their duties typically places them in probably contentious or confrontational conditions, the place their actions could also be topic to scrutiny or debate,” the doc reads.
Reeve Peter Emon, who chairs the city’s human sources committee, stated a part of the mandate is to make sure workers are protected.
Moreover, Emon stated the city needs truthful, efficient and equitable bylaw providers that additionally respect the Constitution of Rights and Freedoms and the Ontario Human Rights Code.
“[The body camera policy] permits us to have consolation that we’re doing that,” Emon stated. “And if we’re not, then we now have to offer acceptable coaching.”
Peter Emon chairs the City of Renfrew’s human sources committee. He stated the city needs truthful and efficient bylaw providers that respect individuals’s private rights. (Man Quenneville/CBC)
Bylaw officer cameras uncommon
A number of police forces in Ontario, together with Toronto, Peel Area and Waterloo both run or have run pilot tasks with physique cameras.
Nonetheless, Emon stated only a few municipalities have outfitted their bylaw officers with the expertise. He referenced Guelph, Ont., which authorized a everlasting coverage final 12 months after operating its personal pilot mission.
Whereas there’ll solely be one native bylaw officer with a physique digital camera, Emon stated the city would look into including one other officer if the workload demanded it.
“They’re typically out alone coping with the general public, and 99 occasions out of 100, [there’s no] problem. However we should always put together for that one time,” Emon stated.
If council approves the physique digital camera coverage, Emon stated he thinks this system must be reviewed inside a 12 months.
He additionally stated this system might be expanded to different positions like fireplace marshals and constructing code officers.
