TTC fare inspectors and special constables have begun using body-worn cameras for a pilot project to promote transparency and accountability with its customers.
As of May 27, the 20 fare inspectors and 20 special constables will utilize body-worn cameras when interacting with TTC users in heightened situations, with 14 in-car cameras also being used by special constable vehicles.
The footage recorded on these cameras is not intended for a continuous 24-hour recording, but for investigative purposes, the TTC said in an updated post on its website.
Alexandra Nicastro, an administrative assistant with Wheel-Trans, said the body-cams are used to help TTC customers and employees.
“Body cams are now being worn by special constables and fare inspectors as a preventative measure,” Nicastro said. “Body cams will hold TTC staff and commuters accountable.”
TTC has also revised its use-of-force policy, explaining the use of de-escalation tactics rather than the use of force for special constables.
“TTC staff will be wiser in their decisions when communicating with customers, and have access to the footage for reviews, and customers will hopefully feel safer knowing their interaction is recorded in case anything goes wrong,” Nicastro said.
Utilizing body-worn and in-car cameras to record any confrontations, and helps prevent abuses by special constables or fare inspectors, the TTC said.
An example of these oversights was an act of racial profiling in 2018 when 19-year-old Reece Maxwell-Crawford was tackled to the floor of a streetcar by three fare inspectors in February 2018.
This incident sparked discussion regarding the special constable’s use of force and why there was limited footage showing the event.
“The body cams were implemented as a result of an incident with a black teenager where TTC staff used unnecessary excessive force,” Nicastro said.
The implementation of body-worn cameras will aid in holding accountable the people involved in a disturbance as the cameras provide visual and audio recording, TTC said.
“The cameras will allow for TTC management and executives to have access to interactions with our customers, in turn, possibly creating more tailored training, reprimanding staff for inappropriate behaviour, and quality assurance purposes,” Nicastro said.
Those using the body-worn and in-car cameras will undergo training to ensure customers know that they are being recorded during fare inspections, the TTC said.
Nicastro thinks that body-worn and in-car cameras are steps in the right direction for the commission and its customers.
“I think it will aid interactions with our customers,” Nicastro said. “TTC is attempting to foster transparency and public trust so our customers feel safe using our services and moving around the city of Toronto.”