Following the successful completion of the body-worn camera and in-car camera system pilot, TTC special constables and fare inspectors began using body-worn cameras on Monday.
The TTC said on its website that it is “committed to enhancing accountability, transparency and public trust in enforcement and customer engagement and that body-worn cameras and in-car cameras demonstrate this commitment. The use of body-worn cameras not only increases the capacity to capture a greater number of interactions compared to CCTV cameras, but also records audio, providing a more comprehensive documentation of events.”
TTC customers will be told they are being recorded at the earliest opportunity when special constables and fare inspectors interact with them. They will also know the body-worn camera is on when they see a blinking red light on the camera and hear its tones and vibrations.
Signage will also be available in special constable patrol vehicles to advise people about the in-car camera system.
Body-worn and in-car cameras are not intended for general 24-hour recording, but officers are required to activate their body-worn camera when conducting fare inspections or when fare inspectors or special constables interact with people in a number of circumstances. A person involved in an interaction with an officer can also request it be recorded.
The TTC said the video retention policy is 20 years, but that is under review and may be reduced.
The transit agency initiated a nine-month pilot program in May that introduced body-worn cameras for 20 fare inspectors and 20 special constables, as well as 14 in-car cameras installed in vehicles used by special constables.