Will campers be out of Oppenheimer park by 10 p.m. deadline?
Posted October 15, 2014 11:32 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Many campers remain at Oppenheimer Park ahead of tonight’s court imposed order to scram.
Campers had a range of responses when asked if they were worried about a a confrontation with police, but it’s not clear how many actually plan on staying in the park.
Scott Bonnyman was named on a court document ahead of the eviction order and is concerned about what police might do.
“I’ve seen what they do, just how vicious it can get. They’ve been known to use brute for in the past, so who’s to say they’re not going to try it again.”
Given the potential for confrontation, up to eight officers will be wearing body-mounted cameras with the idea of ensure everyone is on their best behaviour.
Josh Paterson with the BC Civil Liberties Association says that body cameras are a good thing for police officers, but rules should have been set up first.
“We hope that the VPD will proceed to set up the kinds of rules that might enable them to use these tools in a way that will enhance police accountability and protect people’s privacy rights at the same time.”
Paterson adds policies for the cameras should include how the footage is used, who gets to keep the footage, and how long it’s kept.
