Since the 1990's the Toronto Police Service has utilized various forms of technology that make up In Car Camera Systems. The original systems, that were based on VHS Tape, to the state-of-the-art digital systems that followed, have been tested and piloted extensively by both 13 Division and Traffic Services.

The evolution of the ICCS has allowed for more compact, reliable and advanced systems to be tested and put into use in the front line efforts of police around the world. These systems have proven to be a valuable tool for officers in recording their interactions with the public.

By mid-2011, all Toronto Police Service front line vehicles will be equipped with ICCS.

The cameras are capable of recording all interactions between police and the public, including traffic stops and rear seat prisoner transportation. The vehicles have two cameras, one facing out the windshield and one that captures the rear seat area.

Officers wear microphones that capture all the audio that occurs and advise the public that the vehicles have the systems in place and that their interaction is being recorded in both video and audio format.

The cameras are activated by the use of the vehicles emergency equipment, manually by the officer or by collision sensors within the vehicle.

The extensive piloting of this system has cleared the way for the approval of a Service wide implementation of the ICCS beginning this year. This implementation will take place in several stages beginning in the downtown area of the city.

The Toronto Police Service is committed to professional, unbiased policing. The In Car Camera System has been designed and implemented with officer and community safety, quality evidence for court purposes and the protection of our officers from unwarranted accusations of misconduct in mind.

Any member of the public who's been recorded by the in-car-cameras can access the footage under the Freedom of Information Act. The authority for the collection of personal information is found in:

• The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Section 28(2)
• The Police Services Act, Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1990, Sections 41 and 42

The information recorded will be used for the purpose of law enforcement. Questions about this collection may be addressed to:

The Freedom of Information Unit
40 College Street
Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2J3
416-808-7850

Requests for access to the information collected may be made under the Municipal Freedom of Information Act, and should be addressed, in writing, along with a payment of $5 (cheques to be made payable to the Toronto Police Service) to the address shown above. In order to verify identity, please provide photocopies of two pieces of government identification - one with a photograph.

Please provide specific details of the requested event such as date, time, location and any other related information.