Cape Breton police budget includes cameras for officers, cars and downtown streets
The Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s police commission has recently approved a budget increase that will allow for the installation of cameras on officers, in police cars, and on downtown streets later this year. Chief Robert Walsh explained that while the budget increases annually due to contractually obligated wage increases for unionized staff, this year’s increase includes approximately $700,000 for equipment, with a significant portion allocated for cameras and software.
In an interview following the police commission meeting, Chief Walsh emphasized the importance of street-level security cameras in enhancing public safety and reducing crime downtown. He stated, “We feel very strongly about the body-worn cameras as well, because this will enhance our service delivery. It provides an additional layer of transparency in our operations and again, that’s about ensuring public confidence and trust in the work that we do.”
The budget increase will enable the police force to begin outfitting some officers and streets with cameras, with plans to expand the program in the future. While the street security cameras will not be monitored live, they will provide pedestrians and business owners with a sense of protection and can be utilized in case of investigations.
Chief Walsh emphasized that privacy constraints and provincial legislation will be adhered to in implementing the camera systems. Similar initiatives have been successfully implemented in other jurisdictions like Charlottetown and New Glasgow, and the Cape Breton police force aims to introduce this innovative program to enhance public safety in the community.
The current year’s Cape Breton police budget stands at approximately $32.3 million. The proposed budget for the upcoming year reflects an increase of about $1.7 million, totaling almost $34 million, with over $1 million allocated for wages and benefits. The remaining funds will cover the costs of cameras, trunked mobile radios, equipment leases, professional services, software, and increased forensic lab expenses.
Commissioner Ken Tracey, a former CBRM councillor, emphasized the importance of providing police officers with the latest equipment to ensure the protection of residents. He stated, “Without all these asks, we’re just falling behind year by year by year. I know that the chief and the staff do a bang-up job protecting our CBRM and this is just something that is going to make us that much better.”
Under a municipal staff reorganization, the police will be taking over the municipality’s 911 call center this year. An officer will be stationed in the center to assist in determining the necessity of police response to calls. The Cape Breton police budget will now undergo review by the full council for potential changes or approval by the end of the week.
