Halifax police get funding for body cameras in approved budget
Halifax City Council Approves Budget for New Civilian Positions and Body-Worn Cameras for Police
In a recent decision by Halifax City Council, full budgets were approved for both the Halifax Regional Police (HRP) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The budget committee gave the green light to Halifax Regional Police’s $101.2 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, representing a 3.3% increase from the previous year.
A significant portion of the budget increase will go towards salaries and compensation, with an additional $462,000 allocated for the creation of seven new civilian positions within the police force. These positions include roles focused on victim services for domestic violence cases, an auditor, a quartermaster responsible for equipment management, and a forensic media specialist tasked with organizing video evidence.
Furthermore, a substantial sum of approximately $847,500 has been earmarked for the implementation of a new digital-evidence system to handle video footage from in-car and body cameras. The total costs for equipment and staffing are expected to reach $3.3 million once the program is fully operational next year.
According to Coun. Becky Kent, who also serves on the board of police commissioners, the budget reflects a commitment to advancing key initiatives that have been advocated for over the years. Kent emphasized the importance of preparing the policing service for the challenges that come with the growth of large cities.
Police Chief Don MacLean and other senior officers highlighted the outdated nature of the current system for handling video evidence, which consumes a significant amount of police resources. The introduction of body-worn cameras is aimed at improving accountability and transparency within the force, particularly in situations where police conduct is called into question.
While a 2022 report recommended against the use of body cameras citing cost concerns, Coun. Tony Mancini supported their implementation to align with the RCMP’s adoption of the technology. Mancini emphasized the potential benefits of body cameras in addressing complaints and enhancing community trust.
The rollout of the digital-evidence system is scheduled for the fall, with in-car cameras and body cameras expected to be operational by early 2026. Despite calls for budget cuts in light of a property tax increase, Mayor Andy Fillmore underscored the importance of modernizing the police force through technological advancements.
While some residents and advocacy groups have raised concerns about the budget increase for policing, citing the need for investment in social services, the council ultimately approved the full budget without major cuts. The decision to enhance the police force’s capabilities through new civilian positions and body-worn cameras reflects a commitment to improving public safety in Halifax.
