More than 30 officers from Sheriff Highway Patrol, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services and Court and Security Services in central Alberta are now field-testing body-worn cameras to enhance transparency and accountability. These devices will record public interactions while officers are on duty, helping to strengthen trust between officers and the communities they serve.
The pilot program runs until December 15 and will allow the Alberta Sheriffs to refine operational policies, resolve technical issues, and make necessary adjustments before full deployment across Alberta Sheriffs in January 2026.
In March 2023, Alberta became the first Canadian province to mandate body-worn cameras for all frontline municipal police services and First Nations police services. Alberta’s government is now taking the next step to support implementation with the Alberta Sheriffs. Police services are also able to leverage the provincial government’s contract with technology vendor Axon Canada.
“Body cameras serve as a vital tool in fostering transparency and accountability, ensuring that police actions are documented and scrutinized, which ultimately enhances public trust and safety for all.”
Chief Cody Thomas, Enoch Cree Nation
“Through this pilot program, Alberta continues to demonstrate its commitment and leadership when it comes to building, leading and maintaining public trust in law enforcement. Body-worn cameras are instrumental for strengthening the transparency and accountability that underpins mutual trust between officers and the communities they serve. This pilot marks another important milestone, and I look forward to full deployment across the Alberta Sheriffs starting early next year.”
Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services
Body-worn cameras are important tools in modern policing that help accurately document police interactions, improve the quality of evidence and speed up the resolution of public complaints, investigations and legal proceedings.
Data recorded by body-worn cameras is uploaded to a secure, centralized digital evidence management system, where it is reviewed by a designated officer. All recorded data is required to be stored for a minimum of two years, during which it can be used as evidence related to a complaint, investigation or legal proceeding. Any recorded data that is not used as evidence within two years will be scheduled for deletion.
“Body-worn cameras will support our sheriffs in their day-to-day interactions with Albertans, providing an objective record that helps foster transparency, accountability and trust. In today’s evolving public safety landscape, this technology not only protects our officers, but also reinforces our commitment to serving Albertans with integrity and professionalism.”
Bob Andrews, chief, Alberta Sheriffs
In addition, Alberta’s government is providing $20 million over the next three years to support municipalities and First Nations in adopting a provincewide, cloud-based digital evidence management system. This system will ensure body-worn camera footage is stored and shared safely, supporting timely investigations and further enhancing public confidence.
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