After years of talk, Hamilton police get go-ahead to buy 500 body cameras

After nearly a decade of discussions, Hamilton police have been approved to purchase 500 body cameras at a cost of nearly $10 million.

Police say the new technology will increase transparency and help with the collection of evidence.

Some community groups and members agree, but others have questioned how effective they would be, while worrying about the privacy implications and the cost.

The Hamilton Police Services Board approved the implementation of the cameras at its meeting Thursday.

The police service has explored the idea of cameras since 2015. The police board has previously turned down the idea four times.

Hamilton Police Services had asked the board to approve the purchase of 650 cameras in April, at a cost of $15.6 million over five years. Board members were concerned about the cost, and deferred the vote until all members could be present to vote.

On Thursday, police came back with a revised request for 500 cameras at a cost of about $9.6 million over five years.

Along with the cameras, which will be purchased from Axon, the money will go toward hiringfive "digital evidence management clerks," a technician and a co-ordinator for the program.

Chief Frank Bergen told the board Thursday the purchase will help police "satisfy trust and accountability."

Hamilton police hope to begin implementing the cameras in early 2025, Bergen said, following public consultation.

"We have to have town halls and conversations with our community to understand the impacts of introducing body worn cameras," he said.

Police association president Jaimi Bannon told the board in April that officers are in support of getting body-worn cameras.

Sgt. Scott Moore told the board then that cameras could help with convictions because they would add more evidence that could be used in court.

A report Moore helped prepare for the board in April, cautions that police will have to update the technology and renew their contract with Axon to continue using the program beyond five years, something that could strain resources.

"The allocation of such a significant budget warrants careful consideration, especially given the evolving landscape of policing," the report said.

"While proponents argue that body-worn cameras can enhance officer safety, improve public trust, and provide valuable evidence in investigations, critics emphasize the potential strain on resources and the need for rigorous policies to govern their use, balancing the requirement for transparency with obligations to protect individual privacy rights."

In a news release, Hamilton Police Services said it will be the 18th police force in Ontario to adopt body cameras.