Police begin Proof of Concept testing of Facial Recognition using Body Worn Video Cameras

Original source: https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/BWVFRDec2

Local snapshot (archived 2026-07-03): full-page PDF committed at sources/news/_archive/eps-press-release-fr-bodycam-poc/eps-press-release-fr-bodycam-poc.pdf.

PRIMARY SOURCE — EPS's own admission. CONFIRMED.

• Technology: facial-recognition-enabled Body Worn Video (BWV) cameras from Axon Enterprise, Inc.
• EPS claims to be "the first police service in the world to test Axon's facial recognition BWV cameras."
• Proof-of-concept began December 3, 2025, running through the remainder of December, with up to 50 officers already using BWV cameras.
• Watchlist: matches against an EPS database of individuals with "safety flags and cautions from previous interactions" and those with "outstanding warrants for serious crimes, such as murder, aggravated assault and robbery." Images are EPS mugshot data.
• Operates in "Silent Mode" — officers get no alerts/notifications about facial resemblance while on duty; trained officers review footage later for accuracy.
• Still images used for facial recognition to be deleted post-trial; original video retained per policy.
• Cost: not disclosed.
• Next: Edmonton Police Commission and Chief's Committee to review results and decide on further testing in 2026.