Police body cams to roll out in Kelowna

Members of the RCMP in Kelowna will be equipped with body-worn cameras in the near future.

The body cams will be rolled out slowly, starting at the end of January 2025.

“Body Worn Cameras have become the National Standard and the Kelowna/Central Okanagan RCMP are excited to be among the first RCMP detachments in British Columbia to deploy this highly anticipated equipment,” Acting Officer in Charge, Inspector Chris Goebel, said.

“These cameras are a vital step in modernizing policing, play a crucial role in fostering better interactions with the public, enhance evidence collection, build trust in law enforcement, resolve public complaints more efficiently and support officer safety. We are excited to equip our officers with this innovative technology bringing its benefits directly to our community.”

Body cams were rolled out in the B.C. communities of Kamloops, Cranbrook, Mission, Tofino, Uculet and Prince George in November of 2024. Mounties in Fort St. John and the surrounding Peace Region were also starting to use body cams in January,

The RCMP said the phased roll-out of body cams will give officers and communities the time to refine their use as a frontline policing tool.