Beginning in December 2023, you may see some of our VPD officers wearing body worn cameras. Select officers in the Downtown Core, East Vancouver, and in our Traffic Services Section, are taking part in a six-month trial that will guide us toward a broader body-cam rollout for all frontline Vancouver Police officers.
We believe the cameras will strengthen public safety, and enhance transparency, trust, and accountability in interactions between the police and the public.
As part of this pilot project, we will be seeking feedback and input from community groups, as well as anyone involved in an interaction where cameras are used. Check back soon for upcoming dates for our virtual town hall meetings.
There are, understandably, many concerns surrounding the use of body-worn cameras. If you don’t see your questions answered in our FAQ section below or in the guidelines, please email us at bodyworncameras@vpd.ca.
Send us Your Questions
We know that many people have questions and concerns about body worn cameras and how any camera footage will be used. If you don’t see your question(s) addressed below, please email us at bodyworncameras@vpd.ca.
VPD Body Worn Camera Pilot Guidelines
Sworn and civilian members from across the VPD formed a working group to plan the roll-out of the body-worn cameras and create guidelines for our officers.
These guidelines were reviewed by the BC Information and Privacy Commissioner and are consistent with:
- BC Provincial Policing Standards
- VPD Strategic Plan
- BCACP Police Operations Policy
- Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
- CACP Proposed Body Worn Camera Policy
- VPD Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Project Business Rules
- Other Canadian police agencies