Body worn cameras continue to be deployed across the B.C. RCMP, however detachments in Nanaimo and Oceanside are awaiting the technology. (Image Credit: RCMP)

By Alex Rawnsley

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RCMP body camera rollout hits halfway mark, technology yet to deploy in Nanaimo

Mar 17, 2026 | 3:55 PM

NANAIMO — While local detachments are still waiting, body cameras continue to be rolled out across RCMP detachments in B.C.

As of last month, 90 of the province’s 185 detachments are wearing and actively using the chest-mounted devices, which capture rolling video and audio from the officer’s perspective.

Staff Sgt. Kris Clark said the devices have a 30-second buffer feature, which, when activated, helps capture the full context of an interaction between officers and the public.

“We often see video put online on social media that takes the situation out of context, and these body-worn cameras help us to show the entirety of that interaction. There is a buffering, so 30 seconds before the video is initiated by the officer, it captures that 30 seconds of video as well.”

Deployment and training for Nanaimo officers on the new cameras is anticipated over the summer, while no timeline was available for Oceanside RCMP.

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Both North Cowichan/Duncan and Shawnigan RCMP officers are online with the devices.

Clark said the rollout is thoughtful and deliberate, taking into account busy and quieter times at the respective detachments so training can occur with minimal distractions.

Since deployment, the cameras have been used in multiple situations where video footage has expedited conflict resolution.

Through both investigations by the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO) or courts, video has helped ensure full context and clarity, Clark said.

“That evidence can be presented with the case of an impaired driver or something like that, and show that driving evidence in advance, show the evidence that the officer has been in the past, simply observing and taking note of, and that can now be visualized within court.”

Around 3,600 cameras are expected to be deployed by fall 2027, with Clark saying B.C. represents the largest rollout of all provincial RCMP jurisdictions.

Early reports from officers, according to the RCMP, suggest the cameras are helping de-escalate situations when those in public are aware they’re being recorded.

Some challenges have arisen, including extra administrative work surrounding the forwarding of charges to Crown Counsel for consideration.

Transcripts are required for videos submitted in reports to Crown Counsel, with AI tools used to review and transcribe body camera video.

“We want to ensure there are guardrails in place when we utilize AI,” Chief Superintendent Larry Montgomery said in a statement. “This is in keeping with our larger digital and AI strategy that ensures that the human element is always looped in and aligns with established ethics and principles.”

A six-month pilot of the AI service wrapped in January, with 800 reports written using the technology. However, its operational effectiveness has yet to be determined.

More information on the RCMP’s use of body cameras across the country, which is part of an RCMP modernization plan, can be found here.

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