RCMP to outfit additional officers in Alberta with body cameras [Video]

More RCMP officers in Alberta will soon be wearing body cameras.

Front-line officers in 12 detachments have already been outfitted with the cameras.

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In January, RCMP will roll out the cameras to 11 more detachments including Fort Saskatchewan, Enoch Cree Nation and Sylvan Lake.

The cameras will soon be the standard for general-duty officers across the country.

The Parkland County detachment commander says the presence of cameras helps transparency and accountability.

“I find in my experience it does de-escalate the situation when everybody knows they are being audio and video recorded,” Insp. Kevin McGillivray said. “They say, ‘I have to take a breath here and say I need to be professional here,’ and yeah it really does de-escalate the situation.”

The Edmonton Police Service rolled out body-worn cameras for all its officers earlier this year.