Some Vancouver parking officers will start testing body-worn cameras
Some parking enforcement officers (PEOs) in Vancouver will begin testing body-worn cameras in response to what the City says is a surge in physical and verbal abuse.
According to a release from the City of Vancouver, the six-month pilot program is scheduled to begin in August 2025, with 15 PEOs being equipped with the cameras.
Those participating in the pilot will receive specialized training and will only use the cameras when they feel there is a safety risk.
They will also have to inform the public when filming is happening (unless it is unsafe or impractical). Cameras won’t be used to enforce parking rules.
The City noted that violent incidents faced by PEOs are on the rise, noting that an officer was assaulted once every two weeks in 2024.
In its release, it also included statements from PEOs who recounted incidents when they were physically or verbally assaulted while on the job.
One parking officer noted that a person was jaywalking and began shouting and swearing at them, grabbing their handheld device and trying to yank it from their hand.
Another said that they were ticketing a taxi driver who stopped in a no-stopping zone and allowed passengers to exit in a right-turn lane. The officer said that when they tried to explain why they were issuing a ticket, the driver became aggressive and hurled racist insults. The officer said that the driver also threw a punch and grabbed their vest.
The pilot will review and evaluate if the use of the cameras prevents abuse and violence against PEOs and improves their physical and mental safety and well-being.
“While most interactions with the public are respectful and constructive, the frequency and intensity of hostility towards PEOs is increasing,” stated Jimmy Zammar, the City’s deputy general manager of engineering services, in a release.
“Launching the body-worn cameras pilot reflects our commitment to protecting our employees as they serve the community.”
During the pilot, any incidents involving criminal activity will be sent to the VPD for investigation and review. Recordings that don’t require investigation will be discarded.
The City stated that if the pilot program is successful, it will consider expanding the use of cameras to all PEOs.
What are your thoughts on Vancouver parking enforcement officers partaking in this pilot? Let us know in the comments.
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