Metrolinx body-worn cameras coming to GO Transit and UP Express

Metrolinx body-worn cameras will be introduced this spring. They will be used by some customer-facing employees across GO Transit and UP Express. According to Metrolinx, the move is meant to improve safety and security. In addition, the agency says that applies to both customers and staff.

In an online statement, Metrolinx said, “Research on body-worn camera programs shows that the presence of cameras can help reduce verbal and physical confrontations with staff.”

“Cameras encourage accountability for everyone involved, promote fair behaviour during interactions, provide clearer evidence when incidents need to be reviewed, and support greater transparency across the system.”

How Metrolinx body-worn cameras will be used?

Also, the devices will go to employees with the greatest level of customer interaction. That includes uniformed security officers. Metrolinx refers to them as customer protection officers and revenue protection officers. It also includes station safety ambassadors.

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Meanwhile, specific rules will govern when the cameras can be activated. “Body-worn cameras are only turned on during specific interactions such as safety-related incidents, investigations or when there is failure to provide valid proof of payment while in a fare paid zone,” Metrolinx said.

“Officers are trained to let customers know when recording begins.”

At the same time, the unit will show a flashing red light. It will also emit periodic beeps while recording is underway.

Dash cameras across GO Transit and UP Express

Separately, Metrolinx also said GO Transit and UP Express vehicles will get dash cameras. These will be in-vehicle video dash cameras.

In addition, onboard dash cameras in security vehicles will follow similar policies. Those policies match the ones for body-worn cameras. Their purpose is to capture the same interactions. They are meant to create a more complete and consistent record of notable events.

“The program has clear rules and strong safeguards in place to protect everyone’s privacy,” Metrolinx said.

“All footage is stored securely, with strict access controls so only authorized personnel can review it.”

Where body cameras are already in use in Toronto?

Still, body-worn cameras are already familiar in Toronto. According to the Toronto Police Service, Toronto police began deploying them in August 2020. The rollout covered front-line officers.

For example, CityNews reported the TTC rollout last January. TTC special constables and fare inspectors began wearing body cameras then. That followed a nine-month pilot.

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