Dozens of Vancouver police officers are now recording their interactions on body-worn cameras in a pilot project the department says is aimed at improving public trust.

Deputy Chief Howard Chow announced 85 officers in the traffic section, and those who work in the downtown core and in east Vancouver will begin patrolling with chest-mounted cameras.

The department says in a statement that officers are expected to activate their cameras as soon as itB次元官网网址檚 safe and when thereB次元官网网址檚 a reasonable belief that there will be a use of force or violent behaviour.

After extensive community consultation, Chow says they believe theyB次元官网网址檝e reached a balance that protects peoplesB次元官网网址� rights and privacy, while enhancing public trust.

A coronersB次元官网网址� jury in the 2015 police beating death of Myles Gray recommended last May that Vancouver police expedite its plans to use body-worn cameras for all patrol officers.

The statement says the results of the pilot project will guide the department in developing a broader camera policy for all its officers.

Chow says the cameras launched Thursday are about trust and continuing to deliver the best service to residents.

B次元官网网址淲e are confident that we are hiring excellent men and women to do a very challenging job. However, if this tool helps to reassure and strengthen public confidence and trust, then itB次元官网网址檚 an important step worth taking.B次元官网网址�

The department says officers who activate their camera will inform a person they are being recorded as soon as possible, unless doing so could jeopardize the safety of police or the public.

It says officers arenB次元官网网址檛 required to have their cameras on all the time if they arenB次元官网网址檛 responding to a specific incident or interaction with a member of the public.

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