Preferred vendor chosen for body worn cameras

The Calgary Police Service has awarded a Request for Proposals (RFP) for body worn cameras.

An RFP was posted on Tuesday, Sep. 5, 2017. After the closing of the RFP on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017, submissions were evaluated and three suppliers were shortlisted. After the hands-on testing phase, which lasted approximately three months, Axon Public Safety Canada was chosen as the preferred vendor.

The proof of concept phase will begin with an initial 100 cameras assigned to frontline officers by the end of July. If deemed successful, the remaining 150 body worn cameras will be deployed in November. All 250 cameras will be used by officers in District 1.

The use of body worn cameras supports the ongoing efforts of the Calgary Police Service to create a safe, transparent, accountable and innovative policing environment for the city of Calgary.

Frontline officers wearing a body worn camera will be required to record all interactions in the course of their duties.

Body worn camera deployment is guided by five key principles:

1. Collection of evidence.
2. Enhance transparency, public trust and confidence.
3. Enhance officer accountability and professionalism.
4. Protect officers from unfounded allegations of misconduct.
5. De-escalate a situation.

CPS is committed to having all frontline officers equipped with body worn cameras by the second quarter of 2019, which would result in a total of 1,100 devices.