Faoro: "Do we know the cost to fully implement body-worn cameras for all frontline officers" and ongoing costs? Manak: Had asked for a $150,000 pilot in 2023 [rejected by councils, and then province on appeal]. Says "VicPD is falling behind with technology" [pardon me, no]
Manak: Are now going to propose "a small introduction" program in 2026. A full implementation "will be extremely costly" for transcription, storage, privacy, cataloguing, reporting out, disclosing. Says he 'wants to make sure community is on board.' [Sounds like something to campaign against]
Manak says it would be "cost-prohibitive" to implement a full program in 2026. [Surely the plan is to ultimately do it, though? Millions and millions to spend and waste]. Hayes calls technology "a governance issue" [the board participates in lobbying events from technology companies]
Hayes suggests not spending on tech and bodycams could affect recruitment; Manak agrees. Hayes: Asks if recordings of incidents will "contribute to wellness" of officers. VicPD: Says it will be better for officers and could reduce investigation timeline. [Bodycams are for cops, not the public]
Hayes: What can the board do in a prolonged investigation to support officers? "Is there an advocacy role … for looking for better timelines?" VicPD: Biggest value is speaking and advocating on our behalf to OPCC. [VicPD's 'we support the OPCC' shirt is raising a lot of q's answered by shirt]
Manak: Says delays in determining whether complaints are admissible taking toll on officers. [Here are some stats on VicPD retirements while under investigation: www.needsmorespikes.com/blog/2024/2/... ]
Hayes: Board has received results of 2025 community survey [$10,000 or-so money pit per year for people to say they fear visible poverty and that maybe police are an answer???]. Will be published soon. Meeting adjourns.
On the laughable point upthread about VicPD 'falling behind' on technology, I would point to their Terradyne armoured vehicle; their drone program which is more expensive than they will publicly say; their constant engagement with Axon on tasers and surveillance tech.; etc.