Happy Valley-Goose Bay’s ongoing use of body cameras for enforcement officers has prompted the province’s privacy commissioner to launch a formal investigation into the practice.

Michael Harvey says he first heard of the town’s plans in March after they had already started using the body cams. He says he’s concerned by the apparent lack of planning and consultation before their implementation, compared with other cities such as Calgary and Toronto.

Harvey says body cams can be a very sensitive way of collecting personal information involving the officer and whoever they come into contact with. But he says it’s been eight months since the town started using them and he has concerns with the policy that’s being followed.

Harvey says there are ways to use the body cams legally but he’s worried the town hasn’t done enough homework on that front. He says his investigation doesn’t necessarily mean there’s been wrongdoing. Rather, it’s about making sure the town’s policy is in line with privacy laws.

The town has two body cams for use by its municipal enforcement officer and its animal control officer.