For example, BWCs can record video images, sound and conversations with a high degree of clarity. Īpart from requirements under personal information protection statutes, the use of BWCs can implicate other obligations of which LEAs need to be aware. This document was developed by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada in collaboration with the privacy oversight offices in Alberta, New Brunswick, and Quebec and in consultation with the privacy oversight offices in British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and Yukon.
The covert use of BWCs is not addressed through this guidance. It relates to the overt use of BWCs, that is, BWCs that are used in view of the public and with the understanding that the public has been informed of their deployment. This guidance is meant to support LEAs in developing policies and procedures governing the use of BWCs. Also described is the privacy framework that should be part of any law enforcement BWC program in order to ensure compliance with Canada’s personal information protection statutes. This guidance document aims to identify some of the privacy considerations law enforcement authorities Footnote 1 (LEAs) should take into account when deciding whether to outfit law enforcement officers with body-worn cameras (BWCs).