The Edmonton Police Service made an announcement on Tuesday that it will be the first law enforcement agency globally to test facial-recognition-enabled body cameras using an artificial intelligence product from Axon Enterprise. Acting Supt. Kurt Martin emphasized during a press briefing that the facial-recognition technology is meant to complement, not replace, human investigative work. The software’s identifications will be verified by trained officers.
The primary objective for the police force is to evaluate a new tool in their operational toolkit that can enhance public and officer safety while upholding privacy rights. Axon Enterprise, based in Arizona, produces technology products for military, law enforcement, and civilians in authorized jurisdictions.
Commencing Wednesday, up to 50 Edmonton police officers equipped with body cameras will integrate Axon’s facial-recognition-enabled cameras into their shifts for the rest of the month. EPS’s collaboration with Axon is distinct from the province’s mandate for body cameras, according to Martin. The trial period aims to assess the feasibility and functionality of facial recognition in body-worn video cameras for law enforcement purposes.
The trial will involve using mugshots to identify individuals in the system with safety concerns or outstanding warrants for serious offenses like murder and robbery. Trained EPS officers will review the facial-recognition data from the footage to validate its accuracy and identify matches.
Regarding privacy and legal considerations, EPS has conducted a privacy impact assessment, which has been submitted to Alberta’s information and privacy commissioner. Diane McLeod, Alberta’s information and privacy commissioner, expressed significant reservations about the use of facial-recognition technology by EPS, citing concerns about accuracy and potential privacy infringements.
Furthermore, the Edmonton police commission and the chief’s committee will evaluate the outcomes of the facial-recognition bodycams before making a decision on their future implementation in 2026.