Peel police begin process of implementing body cameras

asked police Chief Nishan Duraiappah to prepare a report in time for the board meeting on June 26, with options regarding how to implement the cameras.

“As a board, we welcome opportunities to strengthen police accountability, while ensuring greater community safety and well-being,” said police board chair Ron Chatha in a news release.

“Today’s decision will ensure the board and the chief will collaborate on the implementation of body-worn cameras with the aim of making a decision at our next board meeting on June 26th.”

This comes after an emergency meeting to discuss how Peel police can take action to preserve the public trust, while at the same time allowing police to do their jobs effectively, according to the release.

There has been mounting pressure from activists, as well as the mayors of Mississauga and Brampton, in wake of the recent anti-racism protests and high-profile deaths.

In April, Peel police fatally shot D’Andre Campbell at a residence in Brampton after officers responded to reports of a domestic incident. Body cameras were not present to record what happened to Campbell, who had struggled with mental illness.

In Toronto, police Chief Mark Saunders has called the falling death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet from a High Park apartment in May during an encounter with police a “textbook case” as to why body cameras are necessary and has vowed to “fasttrack” equipping Toronto police officers with the devices.