By Colton Swiderski

Meadow Lake bylaw officer to wear body camera

Feb 10, 2016 | 5:47 AM

The City of Meadow Lake has ordered its bylaw enforcement officer to wear a body camera while on duty.

The decision was made Monday, Feb. 8, during a regular city council meeting authorizing Officer Joe Hallahan to use and maintain the new camera.

“We record interactions with the public and we let them know they are being recorded; that was an important part of the camera we purchased. It has a forward facing screen so people can actually see themselves on the camera at all times while it’s being recorded,” Hallahan said.

“It’s basically an attention reduction device. The theory is people will act more appropriately because they know they are being recorded.”

The camera acts as an impartial witness for video evidence which can used by both the bylaw officer and members of the public.

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“So if there are complaints against the bylaw officer, the video is reviewed by the city manager (Diana Burton) and appropriate action will be taken,” Hallahan said.

Hallahan foresees the camera primarily used surrounding the impoundment of animals.

“A lot of people say you have taken the dog from my yard and the camera can help dispel those accusations because we can clearly see the dog was on the street or in this area,” he said.

Hallahan also received training in the proper use of body cameras from the Saskatchewan Enforcement Officers Association in Nipawin. He said the camera will be used to provide safety for members of the public and the officer using it.

The city will obtain the camera in early March and used immediately.

After six months, then eventually annually, the body cameras will be reviewed by City Council to confirm objectives are being met.

cswiderski@jpbg.ca

On twitter: @coltonswiderski