Body-Worn Camera and In-Car Camera Policy
The TTC’s Body-Worn Camera and In-Car Camera policy is in place to enhance accountability, transparency, and public trust.
Following the successful completion of the Body-Worn Camera and In-Car Camera System Pilot, Special Constables and Provincial Offences Officers began wearing body-worn cameras, January 6, 2025. Beginning May 2026, Station Staff will also be equipped with body-worn cameras as a part of an eight-month pilot.
Frequently asked questions
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What is the Body-Worn Camera and In-Car Camera System Policy?
The Body-Worn Camera and Special Constable In-Car Camera System Policy establishes procedures surrounding the use of a body-worn camera by Special Constables, Provincial Offences Officers, Protective Services Guards, and Station Staff during the course of their duties, along with the use of in-car camera systems in patrol vehicles used by Special Constables.
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Why do Special Constables and Provincial Offences Officers use Body-Worn Cameras and In-Car Cameras?
The TTC is committed to ensuring accountability, transparency and public trust in enforcement and customer engagement. Body-worn cameras and in-car cameras demonstrate this commitment by prioritizing oversight of TTC staff, while also supporting employee safety and the customer experience. Body‑worn cameras enhance coverage by capturing more interactions than fixed CCTV systems and by recording audio, resulting in a more complete and detailed record of events. -
How are customers being notified that they are being recorded by body-worn cameras and in-car cameras?
TTC staff equipped with body-worn cameras will inform customers that they are being recorded in both audio and video at the earliest opportunity in their interaction with them. Customers can also identify when a body‑worn camera is active through the visible red blinking light, as well as the audible tones and vibrations emitted by the device. Signage is also available in Special Constable patrol vehicles to advise customers about the in-car camera system.
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In what circumstances can Officers activate their body-worn camera and in-car camera?
Special Constables and Provincial Offences Officers are required to activate their body-worn camera during the duration of interactions with Individuals in the following circumstances:
- Provincial Offences Officers when conducting fare inspections.
- When interacting with Individuals to investigate and ensure compliance with TTC Bylaw No 1. c)
- Special Constables when interacting with Individuals with respect to a violation or breach of TTC By-law No. 1, Trespass to Property Act, Liquor License and Control Act, Mental Health Act, and Criminal Code of Canada.
- When an Individual involved in an interaction with an Officer requests the Officer to record the interaction.
Additionally, Special Constables will be required to activate their in-car camera during all interactions between a Special Constable and an Individual where that contact is for the purpose of an investigation with respect to a violation or breach of TTC By-law No. 1, Trespass To Property Act, Liquor License and Control Act, Mental Health Act, and Criminal Code of Canada.
Protective Services Guard are required to activate their body-worn camera during:
- Any interaction or any investigation involving a violation or breach of the Private Security and Investigative Services Act.
- When an Individual involved in an interaction with a PSG requests the PSG to record the interaction.
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In what circumstances can Station Staff activate their body-worn camera?
Station Staff are required to activate their body-worn camera during interactions with Individuals that are beyond Routine Customer Service Assistance, including the following:
- Safety‑related circumstances, such as responding to medical emergencies and when interacting with persons in crisis.
- During major operational issues, which includes significant delays, turn backs, or service disruptions.
- When encountering aggressive or threatening customer behaviour.
- When directed by Transit Control, or when responding to an incident reported to Transit Control.
- While conducting Incident Management activities, including any situation requiring documentation or safety intervention.
- During station walkthroughs.
- While performing wellness checks.
- When an Individual involved in an interaction with a Station Staff requests the Station Staff to record the interaction.
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In what circumstances will Officers not activate their body-worn camera and in-car camera?
Special Constables, Provincial Offences Officers, and Protective Services Guards will not activate their body-worn camera or in-car camera in the following circumstances:
- Interactions that are not investigative or enforcement in nature
- For the purposes of covert or personal-use recordings
- Where recording is restricted (e.g. a courthouse or a hospital) except in exigent circumstances or under legal authority
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In what circumstances will Station Staff not activate their body-worn camera?
Special Constables, Provincial Offences Officers, and Protective Services Guards will not activate their body-worn camera or in-car camera in the following circumstances:
- Interactions that are not investigative or enforcement in nature
- For the purposes of covert or personal-use recordings
- Where recording is restricted (e.g. a courthouse or a hospital) except in exigent circumstances or under legal authority
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How long will the videos be kept for?
Body-worn Camera recordings are retained in accordance with the TTC Records and Retention Schedule which can be found here: TTC Record Retention Schedule