Who let the body cams out? TTC special constables could soon start wearing surveillance equipment as early as next year

Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) special constables and fare inspectors could soon start wearing body cameras as early as next year.

In a report that was discussed by the TTC board yesterday, TTC staff are recommending extra surveillance equipment for staff that would be tested out in the first quarter of 2024.

The recommendations include the approval of a nine-month body camera pilot as well as implementing a special constable in-car camera system.

The program could see 20 special constables and 20 fare inspectors equipped with body cameras.

“The phased implementation will rotate body-worn cameras amongst all Special Constables and Fare Inspectors by requiring them to wear the devices during a six-week period. Through this phased approach, all officers will have the opportunity to be equipped with a body-worn camera during the pilot,” the report read. 

Additionally, in-vehicle camera equipment has been purchased for 14 special constable service vehicles. 

These measures will come with a $1,243,000 price tag.

Back in Aug. 2020, Toronto police implemented body-worn cameras for frontline police officers. 

The decision to test out body-worn cameras within the TTC is one of the recommendations laid out by the Toronto Ombudsman in 2017 to improve oversight, training and public reporting of special constables and fare inspectors. 

Another recommendation provided by the Ombudsman is a Use of Force policy to establish guidelines for when force is used by special Constables, fare inspectors, and guards during the course of their duties.

“The policy serves to operationalize the TTC’s commitment to customer service, safety and fare compliance through communication, education and de-escalation techniques designed to minimize physical harm and the reliance on the use of force,” reads the report. 

Advocacy group TTCriders says there should be consultations with the public before any sort of policy on use of force is passed. 

“We want to have some consultation where we’re able to voice the concerns of the use of force. It doesn’t seem right to be able to use physical force when a person is unable to pay fares,” TTCriders Spokesperson Tima Shah told CityNews.