Vancouver parking officers to trial body cameras after rise in abuse, assaults - Global News

Vancouver parking enforcement officers are facing an alarming surge in verbal abuse and physical assaults while performing their duties, prompting the City of Vancouver to implement a groundbreaking safety initiative.

The city has launched a six-month pilot program equipping 15 parking enforcement officers with body-worn cameras starting in August. Officers reported disturbing incidents including being backhanded across the face during routine ticketing, physical confrontations over jaywalking citations, and racially-motivated assaults from taxi drivers. Statistics reveal officers were assaulted on average once every two weeks in 2024, highlighting the severity of workplace violence these public servants face.

• Body-worn cameras will only activate when officers feel their safety is threatened, not for routine parking enforcement
• All footage will be deleted within five days unless criminal activity requires Vancouver Police Department investigation
• The initiative aims to deter aggressive behavior and provide evidence for potential prosecutions
• City officials emphasize that parking enforcement officers deserve to work without fear of inappropriate or abusive treatment