Sault Police cruisers are equipped with new in-car camera systems to enhance public trust, demonstrate accountability and transparency, and streamline investigations.
Each Patrol Services vehicle features an interior-facing camera that will record occupants in the back seat of patrol vehicles and a front-facing dash camera. These cameras will record interactions between officers and the public, providing valuable and objective evidence for investigations and prosecutions.
FAQs
Initiative
Why is the Service equipping police vehicles with In-Car Camera Systems (ICCS)?
In-Car Camera Systems provide an unbiased, independent account of police/community interactions. They are an investment in the SSMPS’s commitment to delivering accountable and transparent policing services.
Whether they are used to legitimize an engagement between an officer and a member of the public, provide evidence in court, or offer an unbiased alternative to allegations of misconduct, every frontline police vehicle will be equipped with ICCS.
What are In-Car Camera Systems?
In-Car Camera systems are devices that are attached to a police cruiser to record audio and video for both outside facing activity and within the prisoner control area of the rear seat.
How many vehicles will have ICCS technology?
We currently have 24 vehicles with this technology.
Privacy Guidelines
How are the cameras activated?
The cameras are activated by several means, some automated and some manual.
How will people know they are being recorded?
Unlike body-worn cameras, the in-car cameras will only record what is in view of the vehicle or activity in the back seat. Officers are required, by our procedures, to notify people that they are being recorded when the cameras are active.
Where will ICCS data be stored?
As part of SSMPS ICCS agreement, the in-car camera data is encrypted and securely stored in a Canadian-based cloud system. Thus, the ICCS data stored in this secure, cloud-base system remains inside Canadian borders.
What if I am an innocent bystander and an ICCS records me or my vehicle licence plate?
Any information inadvertently captured during an interaction will be protected. Specially trained staff will use software to blur out parts of the video containing information that could compromise the privacy of members and the public.
Regulation
Is there a policy or procedure that governs how officers use the ICCS?
Officers must follow the existing SSMPS policy and guidelines governing the use of the ICCS. Officers shall balance privacy rights with law enforcement needs and shall use discretion when de-activating their camera when it is safe to do so, and the incident allows for it.
Who will be able to access ICCS data?
Recorded data cannot be altered or deleted at any time. It can be viewed in real-time by the recording officer on their Connected Officer device. It can also be viewed by the officer and their supervisor once it has been uploaded to the cloud.
Who is permitted to edit ICCS data?
No one is permitted to alter the original data file and any access to the original file is securely logged for auditing purposes.
However, in order to be compliant with various pieces of privacy legislation, it is necessary to create a secondary, vetted version such as for release under a Freedom of Information request. Specially trained staff will create this vetted, secondary file ensuring only the appropriate information is released under the proper circumstances to the proper entity or person.
The original, unedited version will always be protected and available.
If I have been recorded, can I ask to see the video? Can I have it deleted?
All request to view or edit the data must be made through the relevant provisions of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and through a Freedom of Information Request. Videos will only be deleted in accordance with retention periods.
How long will camera footage be kept?
All data collected by an ICCS is subject to retention schedules set by our organization and in accordance with existing legislation surrounding Records & Information Management
What happens if an officer does not follow procedures?
Like any other allegation of misconduct, complaints can be made to the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency. Once investigated, officers may face any number of disciplinary actions, up to and including dismissal.