The rollout of body cameras for RCMP officers in the Moncton area faces a delay of several months. Codiac Regional RCMP is the final RCMP jurisdiction in New Brunswick waiting to equip its officers with this technology.

The national rollout began in November 2024. Codiac initially waited to move into its new downtown Moncton detachment over the summer. The force policing Moncton, Dieppe and Riverview announced this week they put the rollout on hold.

Provincial Hurdles Stall Launch

According to a report from CBC News, the delay stems from administrative challenges.

“When we were getting ready to do the training and the launch dates, we encountered some resourcing issues at the provincial level,” Supt. Benoit Jolette told reporters.

Jolette explained the rollout requires extensive officer training and significant work related to file management and evidence disclosure. The provincial government handles the administrative side of vetting and court disclosure.

“We have to work with our partners at New Brunswick RCMP to make sure that we get it right before we launch it,” Jolette said. “And instead of doing something that we’re not completely ready to do, that’s why we’re stalling at least until the new year.”

The old Main Street office lacked a sufficient electrical system to support the cameras. Officers expected the rollout to happen this fall after moving into the new station. Jolette noted officers still want the cameras to document scenes and public interactions.

The National Picture and Local Contrast

The federal government budgeted 238 million dollars in 2020 to implement body cameras and an evidence management system for the RCMP over six years. The RCMP reports 79 percent of frontline officers across Canada had body cameras as of July. They expect full completion by fall 2027.

RCMP policy requires officers to activate cameras before arriving at a scene, recording a statement or interacting with people in custody. Officers must also document any time they intentionally or accidentally turn the cameras off.

If you live in Saint John, you already know municipal police forces operate differently. The Saint John Police Force and Fredericton Police Force equipped their officers with body cameras years ago.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Codiac RCMP delaying the body camera rollout?

The delay is due to resourcing issues at the provincial level. The administrative work involving vetting, court procedures and evidence disclosure requires more time to coordinate with the New Brunswick RCMP.

When will Codiac RCMP officers get body cameras?

The rollout is on hold until at least the new year to ensure all training and administrative processes are fully ready.

Do police officers in Saint John wear body cameras?

Yes. Municipal police in Saint John and Fredericton have used body cameras for years.

When do RCMP officers turn on their body cameras?

RCMP policy dictates officers activate their cameras before arriving at a scene, when recording statements and during interactions with people in custody.