In the News

MADD buys video flashlights for police
CBC News
December 1, 2009

The flashlights will be used at vehicle checkpoints and during crowd control.

The next time Charlottetown police point a flashlight at you they could be videotaping you at the same time.

Charlottetown police officers have had one video flashlight for a few months. They've been using it while looking for drunk drivers at vehicle checkpoints, or to videotape large, rowdy crowds. Funding from Mothers Against Drunk Driving has allowed them to purchase three more.

Deputy Chief Richard Collins told CBC News Monday the video could be used as evidence in court, but the person would have to be aware of the videotaping.

"If the video is being used for investigative purposes, and is going to be used as part of the prosecution, then the individual would have the right to know that they're being videotaped," said Collins.

That doesn't necessarily mean the officer would have to announce the presence of the camera, he said. He compared taking video with the flashlight to cameras in convenience stores, where the public knows they could be videotaped.

Collins said the video flashlights can also be used if a member of the public complains about misconduct of an officer. Charlottetown MADD member Amanda Burke said the group put $3,000 toward buying the flashlights in hopes they will help police charge impaired drivers.

"We approached them, let them know that there may be some funding available and did they have any ideas or anything on their wish list," she said.

"It was them that had the idea of these flashlights with the new technology and it made sense to us."

The new video flashlights will be used at vehicle checkpoints starting this weekend.