Body cameras rolled out for London-area OPP officers: 'Transparency'

Ontario Provincial Police officers in a trio of London-area detachments have started rolling out body-worn cameras for their officers.

OPP officials say that before wearing their camera, each officer must be trained through an in-class and scenario-based program that takes three hours to complete. Those who’ve done the training will wear them immediately, officials said.

“The (camera) system demonstrates an increased level of accountability and transparency to the public and officers’ safety,” Elgin OPP Const. Jeffrey Beaumaster said.

The timeline for each detachment getting cameras will be based on training, with only a few instructors available, officials said.

Municipal police departments in London, St. Thomas and Woodstock have used body cameras in recent years following successful