Image: Dale Klippenstein via AbbyPD

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Body cameras

Abbotsford Police Dept. to roll out body-worn cameras next month

Apr 23, 2025 | 10:11 AM

ABBOTSFORD — Frontline police in Abbotsford will begin donning Axon body-worn cameras as early as next month for a six-month pilot project.

According to an emailed statement from AbbyPD Sgt. Paul Walker, frontline patrol officers on two separate shifts will take part in the initiative that the department says underscores its commitment to modernization and enhancing transparency, accountability, and public trust.

Sgt. Walker says the body-worn cameras will provide the following benefits:

• Enhanced Transparency: The cameras will capture real-time video and audio of interactions between officers and the public, ensuring an accurate record of events.
• Improved Accountability: Body-worn cameras will facilitate the review of incidents and enable the prompt addressing of any complaints or concerns raised by the community.
• Increased Safety: The presence of cameras can deter aggressive behavior and provide crucial evidence in investigations.

The trial program enables AbbyPD to assess the extent to which these benefits have been realized, Sgt. Walker said. It will also facilitate an assessment of the anticipated costs and operational impacts associated with the collection and handling of body-worn camera footage. A decision on whether to proceed with a permanent body-worn camera program will be made at the conclusion of the trial.

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“The AbbyPD has conducted training for officers to ensure they are well-prepared to use the new technology effectively,” Sgt. Walker said. “The rollout of Axon body-worn cameras aligns with best practices in modern policing and reflects the AbbyPD’s dedication to adopting innovative solutions to enhance public safety.”

For more information, please visit www.abbypd.ca/body-worn-cameras