City’s police chief wants body-worn camera program in new year

Winnipeg’s police chief says work is underway to have officers test body-worn cameras next year.

“I would like to see a pilot in 2026,” said Winnipeg Police Service Chief Gene Bowers.

The city officials have debated the idea of equipping officers with the devices for several years.

Supporters have long argued the video evidence would increase WPS transparency and accountability, providing a visual record of officer interactions with the public.

While there is no funding for the initiative in the city’s 2026 preliminary budget, Bowers said it is a priority.

“I would like to see it sooner than later. We are in discussions… looking at a pilot,” he said.

When asked how WPS would pay for the pilot project without setting aside money next year, Bowers suggested there are alternative options, though he declined to share details.

He noted the process could be easier to set up now than in past years, since police have already set up a digital evidence management system, which could handle the video files.

“With that infrastructure, we can plug in these different technologies.… So, I would like to see us move on body-worn cameras. There are some discussions with regards on how we can move towards outfitting our members with those devices,” he said.

Bowers did not share an estimated cost for the pilot project.

WPS has sought funding for the cameras for many years. A $1-million pilot project was slated for 2016 but later cancelled to save money. In 2021, another proposal for a citywide program was expected to cost $32 million by the end of 2027, including the price of video storage.

City council voted to reject that plan.

Many other law enforcement agencies have began using the devices since 2021, including Manitoba RCMP, who equipped front-line officers with body cams last year.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

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