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CityNews: Local Cops To Get Dashboard Cameras



Dashboard cameras are prevalent in American police forces, and they often capture startling footage of crimes in progress, tragic accidents, and public drunkenness. Evidence captured from the technology is frequently used in court.

Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair wants them implemented and his wish came true on Tuesday when the Police Services Board gave the go ahead for the initial purchase and installation of 168 cameras.

Blair says the cameras will help to ensure officers act appropriately when dealing with the public but admits they will also be used to help protect his officers.

"Video image up front can help us collect important evidence," Blair argues. "We have so many cases where people came back and said certain things have happened on the street and the video provides us with evidence of precisely what happened, precisely what was said."

Blair would like to have 460 in-car systems at a total cost of 4.6 million dollars by 2012.

The police union believes that money would be better spent elsewhere.

"It's officers interacting with the community that makes the streets safer, not some technical device like a camera mounted on a police car," counters George Tucker of the Toronto Police Association. "They should be spending the money on more officers. Studies have shown that police officers out there on the streets develops the relationships where if something happens, now you have places to go to find out information to help solve crime."

If you are ever recorded by one of the cruiser cams you can get the footage under the Acess To Information Act.

lowbalt

lol ****k next thing you know theres gonna be a show like "To Protect and Serve" or COPS based on local crimes in toronto ahahaha

A790

Good. Dash cameras will work in favor of both sides.