The expanded program aims to improve evidence collection and accountability, while introducing safeguards for privacy and recorded police interactions.

OTTAWA | October 31, 2026

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has announced plans to deploy 200 additional body-worn cameras to frontline and specialized officers by the end of 2026, marking another phase in its citywide camera program.

According to an official statement released on October 30, the expansion builds on a pilot project launched in November 2025, when 30 cameras were assigned to Crisis Intervention Team members and selected officers.

Expansion to Continue Through 2027

OPS plans to introduce another 650 cameras during 2027, bringing the intended total to 880 across Ottawa.

The devices will be distributed progressively as officers complete mandatory training covering lawful operation, privacy requirements, evidence collection and appropriate recording procedures.

When Will Officers Record?The cameras will be visibly attached to officers’ uniforms but will not record continuously.

Under OPS procedures, officers will activate their cameras during designated calls for service, investigations and enforcement activities.

Police say officers will inform members of the public when recording is taking place, whenever practical and safe.

Privacy and Facial Recognition

The expansion also raises important questions about how recordings of police interactions will be managed and protected.

OPS says the program includes secure digital storage, restricted access, audit procedures and established rules governing the retention and disclosure of footage.

The service has explicitly confirmed that facial recognition technology will not be used through its body-worn cameras or related systems.

Accountability and Public Confidence

OPS Chief Eric Stubbs said the technology is intended to help officers document incidents, preserve evidence and provide additional context during complex interactions.The service also expects the recordings to support investigations, training and complaint reviews.

While body-worn cameras can provide additional documentation of police encounters, their effectiveness in strengthening accountability will depend on implementation, compliance with recording policies and appropriate oversight.

The expanded program follows approval of its next phase by the Ottawa Police Service Board in June 2026.

What This Means for Ottawa Residents

As more officers begin wearing cameras, residents may increasingly encounter recorded interactions during police responses and enforcement activities.

The expansion represents a significant change in how Ottawa police document their work, with questions surrounding privacy, access to recordings and public accountability remaining important areas for ongoing scrutiny.

Source: Ottawa Police Service, official news release, October 30, 2026.