Cobourg Police Services Board Moves Ahead with Body Worn Cameras
At the Cobourg Police Services Board meeting held on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, the Board approved a motion to rollout the Officer Safety Plan at Cobourg Police Service mid-2022.
The Cobourg Police Services Board (the Board) takes their role in community safety and wellbeing seriously.
The Board and Cobourg Police Service (CPS) began exploring the use of body worn cameras in the summer of 2020. Public consultations have been key to ensure the Board continues to make fiscally responsible decisions to support community safety and service excellence in the Town of Cobourg.
Following a presentation to Town Council on the financials for the proposed Officer Safety Plan on November 10, 2021, the Board opened a community consultation period to gain feedback on the value and cost of the plan, which includes body worn cameras. Residents and business owners were invited to share their thoughts by completing a survey or by submitting their feedback directly to the Chief of Police.
At the meeting on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, the Board received the results of the community consultation. In a unanimous vote, a motion was passed to take the steps towards a mid-2022 rollout of the Officer Safety Plan. All costs associated with the Officer Safety Plan will be funded by Cobourg Police Service Corporate Services revenue for the length of the plan contract. By funding the Officer Safety Plan from Corporate Services, the plan will come at no cost to the taxpayers for the five-year contract period.
“I am happy with the results of today’s meeting,” says Chair Dean Pepper. “The Board works hard to maintain public trust and ensure every decision is transparent and fiscally responsible. Thank you to the residents who provided feedback throughout this process. Today’s decision shows that we continue to respond to community needs and support our members. We look forward to sharing an update on the rollout of the plan in the new year.”
To learn more about the Board’s exploration of body worn cameras, please visit https://cobourgpoliceservice.com/bwc/
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love