Lethbridge Police launch body-worn camera program

Starting June 15, frontline Lethbridge Police officers will begin wearing body-worn cameras to record interactions with the public. 

Body-worn cameras provide an objective record of law enforcement interactions, supporting transparency, accountability and strengthening public trust. The technology also enhances evidence collection and can help expedite investigations, complaint resolution and court proceedings.

“We know trust is built through transparency,” said Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh. “Body-worn cameras give the public greater confidence in how we serve the community. “At its core, this program reinforces our commitment to accountability, and supports safer interactions for the public and our officers by providing a clear record of what occurred while respecting privacy and the law.”

The implementation of body-worn cameras is mandated by the Government of Alberta for all police services across the province. 

LPS partnered with Axon Public Safety Canada for the procurement of 165 body-worn cameras and a digital evidence management system. The roll-out will occur in phases, beginning with nine officers – eight on patrol teams and one traffic member – who will test the new equipment and procedures over the next four weeks.

From June to November, additional cameras will be deployed, and by the end of the year, all uniformed officers, including Community Peace Officers, will be equipped with body-worn cameras. Plain clothes officers will also have access to body-worn cameras in the course of their duties. 

Body-worn cameras will be used during police interactions with the public, including but not limited to calls for service, traffic stops, investigative detentions, arrests, prisoner-handling, interactions that may become adversarial, mental health apprehensions and any situation where evidence may be obtained. 

When safe and practicable, officers will advise individuals they are being recorded but notification is not required. When the camera’s red light is activated, recording is in progress.

Officers have received training on body-worn camera use and policies are in place to balance the privacy rights of all individuals captured in body-worn camera recordings – accused persons, victims, witnesses and bystanders – with law enforcement needs. 

The LPS body worn camera policy identifies places and situations where it would not be appropriate to record, except in emergency or exigent circumstances. These include places where the expectation of privacy is high and situations where privacy is essential, for example intimate searches. In addition, body-worn cameras will not be used in the LPS short-term holding facility or the front desk, where CCTV systems are already in place.

The disclosure of body-worn camera footage is governed by the Access to Information Act and Protection of Privacy Act. Public requests for footage follow the same process as other record requests. In limited circumstances, LPS may publicly release camera footage to further an investigation.

To support the addition of body-worn cameras in police operations, LPS established a Media Disclosure Unit consisting of four civilian positions – a Coordinator and three Media Disclosure Technicians. The unit will manage video evidence, including visual and audio redactions, disclosure and compliance with privacy legislation.

The annual cost to operate the body worn camera program is estimated to be up to $950,000.

For more information about the LPS body-worn camera program visit https://www.lethbridgepolice.ca/bwc