A body-worn camera (BWC) is a small, wearable device that records audio and video. Typically, these cameras are attached to an officer's uniform, such as on the chest or shoulder, providing a first-person perspective of interactions with the public. The primary purpose of body-worn cameras is to enhance transparency and accountability in law enforcement by documenting encounters between officers and community members.

AbbyPD officers will be recording public interactions in the following instances:

• During a police investigation involving a member of the public
• When the officer believes that the use of force may be necessary
• When the officer perceives that the individual they are dealing with is or may become violent or is exhibiting aggressive behavior
• During the de-escalation of a situation
• When a member of the public indicates their intention to file a complaint
• When arresting or detaining an individual, including the provision of Charter rights
• While interviewing a witness or suspect
• When the officer believes that perishable evidence needs to be collected

Yes, unless there is a safety risk in doing so.

AbbyPD officers are required to identify potential privacy risks and take appropriate measures to address them. Examples of such situations include:

• Inside a residence
• Exposure to medical care
• Inside a law office
• Inside a place of worship
• When individuals have exposed private body areas
• When victims or witnesses are reluctant to cooperate or request not to be recorded in sensitive situations

The AbbyPD understands the importance of your privacy and are committed to protecting it. Any recordings made are handled in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). This means your personal information will only be collected, used, and disclosed as authorized by law. Identifiable personal information will be reviewed and, where necessary, redacted to protect your privacy.

AbbyPD’s body-worn camera footage is securely stored within the current Provincial Digital Evidence Management System.

Recordings are automatically deleted after 13 months, unless they are required as evidence of a crime, violation or complaint. In such cases, they are retained in accordance with established retention guidelines. Anonymized recordings may also be retained for training purposes.

AbbyPD’s body-worn cameras have two operating modes:

1. Ready/Buffering mode: The camera has been powered on, but not activated. In this mode, the body-worn camera continuously records a 30-second loop of video (no audio) which is retained only if the camera is activated.
2. Recording/Event mode: The camera has been activated and is in a state that is recording audio and visual evidence for retrieval and archival purposes.

No. As this is currently a pilot initiative, a limited number of cameras will be deployed across two designated patrol shifts only.

Body-worn camera footage is securely stored in a digital system that tracks when videos are accessed, shared, or modified. Officers cannot edit or delete recordings. Any footage that needs to be kept—for example, as evidence or part of a complaint—is protected and managed under strict rules. The digital evidence management system creates an audit trail, so any activity involving the footage is logged and reviewed to ensure transparency and accountability.

Recordings will only be released in accordance with Part 2 or Part 3 criteria in the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). You can apply here.