Senator Dennis Patterson is going to bring together decision-makers and experts to find out why an body camera pilot project isn't proceeding in Nunavut.

Patterson has organized a roundtable, tentatively scheduled for June 15, that will examine benefits and challenges, technological barriers, costs and general mistrust between many Nunavummiut and the police.

"Two fatalities in recent months is two too many,SA国际影视传媒� said Patterson, referring to residents in Kinngait (Cape Dorset) and Clyde River killed in incidents involving the , both of which are under investigation by Ottawa Police Service.

Patterson also referenced a 2018 Toronto Star report which found that police-related deaths in Nunavut are nine-times higher than in Ontario, per capita.

SA国际影视传媒淲hen MLA (David) Qamaniq brought his renewed call for body-worn cameras to my attention, it was important for me to act. I know that Covid measures are exacerbating mental health conditions and causing unrest SA国际影视传媒� we don't want another tragedy on our hands,SA国际影视传媒� Patterson said. SA国际影视传媒淚t's important to renew the trust of Nunavummiut in the . I believe a balanced, respectful approach is required to build consensus and make progress.SA国际影视传媒�

In light of a June 1 incident in Kinngait (Cape Dorset) where an intoxicated resident was struck and sent sprawling by the door of a police truck in motion and then forcefully arrested by five officers, Patterson said Nunavummiut shouldn't have to live in fear of the police. That principle is fuelling him to pursue the roundtable on an SA国际影视传媒渦rgent basis,SA国际影视传媒� he said.

Among those to be invited to participate in the roundtable are Nunavut commanding officer Amanda Jones, Justice Minister Jeannie Ehaloak, MLAs Qamaniq and John Main, representatives from the Premier's office, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated officials, Senators Gwen Boniface, Vernon White and Beverley Busson, representatives from body camera manufacturers Axon and technology companies like SSi Micro.

Senators Patterson and White SA国际影视传媒� the latter a former commander in Nunavut and former chief of the Ottawa Police Service SA国际影视传媒� have both told Nunavut News that they are in favour of body cameras, as have Qaqqaq and Qamaniq, who has raised the issue multiple times in the Nunavut Legislative Assembly.

Iqaluit Mayor and Nunavut Association of Municipalities President Kenny Bell added his support earlier this week.

The roundtable, to be held via video and teleconference, is expected to last a few hours. None of the findings will be binding, Patterson noted. Instead, the information gleaned will be used to guide the senator in SA国际影视传媒渁ny future lobby effortsSA国际影视传媒� regarding the potential use of body cameras in law enforcement.

While numerous police forces in the United States and a few in Canada SA国际影视传媒� including Edmonton and Calgary SA国际影视传媒� have deployed body cameras, the has been studying the issue on and off for a decade. pilot projects elsewhere in Canada were carried out in 2010 and 2013. In a 2016 feasibility report, the national police force postponed use of body cameras.

The has cited data storage, battery life and cost as hurdles to adopting the technology.

However, a statement from headquarters directed to Nunavut News in May reads, in part: SA国际影视传媒淭he continually reviews its policies, procedures and equipment to ensure it is using the most effective practices in law enforcement. This includes researching and, on occasion, pilot testing new technology, if it is deemed to enhance public safety.SA国际影视传媒�

There was also mention of ongoing discussions over protecting privacy.

A 2016 report stated this about the tool: SA国际影视传媒淏ody-worn video provides increased transparency and accountability for everyone, while also providing a first-person view of what a police officer encounters, in dynamic and high-stress situations.SA国际影视传媒�