Ottawa Police Service Board Approves Next Phase of Body-Worn Camera Deployment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 24, 2026     9:50 a.m.

Ottawa — The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is moving forward with the next phase of its body-worn camera (BWC) program following final approval from the Ottawa Police Service Board on June 22, 2026.

This decision enables OPS to advance a broader rollout of BWCs and associated digital tools after an initial pilot that started in late 2025. The rollout will support delivery of frontline policing to the community, evidence collection, and accountability.

A message from Chief Stubbs

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The pilot project reinforced that BWCs:

• Support compliance with policies, including use of force reporting;
• Help maintain high professional standards when providing service to our communities, and when reporting and conducting investigations;
• Improve officer productivity and reduce administrative burden, creating more time for officers to respond to calls and perform proactive work; and
• Provide an objective record that supports transparency, integrity and accountability in our work, strengthening public trust.

“Body-worn cameras are already having a positive impact in the community,” said Insp. Iain Pidcock.  “Many believe the presence of a camera can positively influence behaviour during interactions, and there is strong belief that these cameras will contribute to increased public trust over time.”

Contract and funding details

The approved plan includes entering into a contract with Axon for body-worn cameras, supporting hardware, and related digital tools.

• Total contract value: $27.2 million (net of HST)
• Term: June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2031

The agreement consolidates existing services and supports the long-term deployment of BWCs across the Service.

Funding for the first year will be supported through existing budgets, with future years subject to Board approval through the annual budgeting process.

Next steps

With the Board’s final approval, OPS will proceed with procurement and phased deployment under the delegated authority granted to the Chief of Police.

OPS will continue to report back to the Board on:

• Project progress;
• Identified risks and mitigation strategies; and
• Ongoing implementation milestones.

This approach ensures continued transparency, accountability, and oversight as the program expands.

For more information about Body Worn Cameras, visit ottawapolice.ca/video.

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