Despite continued advocacy from contract partners, including local governments, the federal government has confirmed it will not be revising the RCMP body worn camera (BWC) funding framework. This will result in B.C. local governments with populations over 5,000 assuming financial responsibility for BWC at the cost-share rate (i.e., 70% or 90%) in April 2024, or whenever BWCs are implemented in B.C.
Since 2020, when the Prime Minister and RCMP Commissioner first offered their support for equipping officers with BWC, the funding framework has been an issue of concern for contract partners. While the federal government originally committed to funding this initiative for the first three years following implementation, it soon revised its position, only offering to provide funding until April 2024 regardless of when implementation occurs. Owing to delays, it is unclear if full implementation will occur in B.C. prior to April 2024.
Financial responsibility, once transferred to local governments, will include an estimated $3,000 per member cost, which includes the cost of the camera, digital evidence management system and divisional/national support (e.g., reporting, redaction, maintenance, etc.). The actual cost and billing methodology should be finalized shortly after the federal government completes its assessment with the new vendor. Additional impacts may be felt through other requirements, such as space to store BWC, internet upgrades, additional local government support staff and other operating costs. Local governments are encouraged to discuss details (e.g., projected costs, number of users/cameras, any additional costs, etc.) with their detachment commanders to assist with budget planning.
The BWC field test/pilot project launched on May 15, 2023, at various locations in Alberta, Nova Scotia and Nunavut. It has now been completed, as of July 24, with the RCMP and federal government currently assessing the results. If Motorola (the vendor) is deemed successful in meeting the requirements of the field test, Canada-wide implementation could begin as soon as this fall. A national roll-out will occur through a phased approach and is expected to take 12-18 months. The initial roll-out locations in B.C. will be Tofino, Prince George, Kamloops, Mission, Cranbrook and B.C. Highway Patrol Lower Mainland.
As this process continues to unfold, local governments have maintained their need for financial support related to the implementation of this federal priority. Other concerns raised include but are not limited to:
- The need to provide advance notice and improve transparency regarding how costs will be determined and calculated;
- This includes several questions from the B.C. Local Government RCMP Contract Management Committee regarding the billing methodology.
- Caution that if the final costs are above the $3,000 per member estimate, contract partners will not have sufficient time to adequately prepare/budget; and,
- The importance of direct communication with local governments, notably those that will be part of the first phase of implementation.
Contract partners, including local governments, are expected to receive financial information next month through an abbreviated BWC multi-year plan (MYP). The MYP is expected to outline how the BWC rate is being calculated, and provide forecasting for future years.