TTC Special Constables and Fare Inspectors Begin Wearing Body Cameras Starting Today

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is enhancing its commitment to accountability and public trust by equipping special constables and fare inspectors with body-worn cameras, starting Monday. This rollout extends to in-car cameras installed in vehicles used by special constables, marking a significant step towards fostering transparency in customer interactions and law enforcement practices.

The initiative follows a successful nine-month pilot program launched in May, during which 20 fare inspectors and 20 special constables were equipped with body cameras, alongside 14 vehicles outfitted with in-car cameras. Highlighting the objectives of this program, the TTC stated on its website, “The TTC is committed to enhancing accountability, transparency, and public trust in enforcement and customer engagement.”

Body-worn cameras are expected to complement existing CCTV systems by providing additional documentation of interactions. Unlike static CCTV footage, these cameras capture audio and offer a detailed account of incidents, furthering the agency’s goal of achieving oversight aligned with recommendations from the Ombudsman.

In a bid to curb fare evasion, the TTC recently deployed plain-clothes fare inspectors to patrol transit systems. After an initial test in 2018, the practice was reintroduced in November 2023 with a focus on education during its soft launch. Now, these inspectors are authorized to issue tickets, a move aimed at promoting compliance among transit users.

Statistics reveal a significant decline in transit-related offences. Between January 2023 and the same period in 2024, offences against TTC customers dropped by 35%. Moreover, customer service communications linked to safety and security concerns fell by 65% since May 2023, reflecting the effectiveness of these enforcement measures.

The TTC has outlined clear guidelines for using body-worn and in-car cameras. These devices will be activated in specific scenarios, including fare inspections, investigative processes, and interactions involving potential bylaw violations such as those under the Trespass to Property Act, Liquor License and Control Act, Mental Health Act, and the Criminal Code of Canada. Customers may also request the activation of body cameras during interactions.

Signage in special constable vehicles will notify passengers about the in-car camera system, while flashing red lights, tones, and vibrations will indicate active body cameras during interactions. “Customers will be informed at the earliest opportunity that audio and video recording is in progress,” the TTC clarified.

While these cameras will remain off during non-enforcement-related interactions or where recording is restricted, their implementation is designed to prioritize transparency while safeguarding privacy. The transit agency stated that videos captured by these cameras could be stored for up to 20 years, though this duration is currently under review.

In addition to introducing body cameras, the TTC has taken other measures to enhance fare compliance and reduce losses, including removing “no-tap” fare gates at select subway stations in September.

As Toronto’s transit authority continues to modernize its enforcement strategies, these initiatives reflect a broader commitment to ensuring passenger safety, fair practices, and public trust. By incorporating advanced technology and innovative policies, the TTC is setting a precedent for urban transit systems across Canada.