Ottawa lawyers back call for police cameras

Ottawa defence lawyers are calling for all police officers to be equipped with body cameras, supporting a call for the devices that was made by the Ottawa Police Associationearlier this month.

While the police association argued that the cameras are needed to protect officers from frivolous lawsuits, the defence lawyers say the cameras would help protect citizens from police who abuse their authority.

"The most powerful piece of evidence in the Stacy Bonds case was the complete video record of what happened," said Matthew Weber, Bonds's lawyer.

In 2008, Bonds was arrested, kneed several times, pinned to the floor and had her clothes cut off by Ottawa policeall of which was capturedon cellblock video.

Weber, along with the DefenceCounsel Association of Ottawa, wants video evidence for all clients.

With cameras, "we don't have to debate what happened or what was said to the accused. We know, and thus fairness is inevitable," he said.

'An accurate record'

The police force could start with cameras in their cars, Weber said.

"If you had a full record of the accused in the back of the cruiser who just blurted something out, there wouldbe nothing to litigate," he said. "It enables us to ensure that our client is being triedon an accurate record."

The Ottawa Police Association said earlier this month thata camera around the ear or attached to a radio on the chest could help police gather crucial evidence.

"Judicially, we have become so much under attackthat I think it'simportant to have our side explained," said association president Matthew Skof.

Eli El-Chantiry, chair of the OttawaPolice Services Board, said he needs more information about the cameras, which cost about $1,800 a unit.

He said he is not sure about the legalities or the cost benefit.

Edmonton police are trying out the small camerasas part of a pilot project, while police in Victoria, B.C., experimented with the cameras in 2009 before abandoning them because of cost.

The cameras have been used by police forces in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom.