The Calgary Police Service (CPS) will become the first police agency in Canada to deploy a real-time translation feature on all body-worn cameras, starting June 1. The technology, integrated into cameras supplied by Axon, can automatically detect and translate more than 60 languages, enhancing communication between officers and diverse community members.
Chief Announces New Capability
Police Chief Katie McLellan announced the initiative following Wednesday’s police commission meeting. “We’re excited to have this new feature,” she said. “When our officers interact with individuals who speak a different language, they can select the language on the body-worn camera, and it will be translated in real time.” This tool is already embedded in the existing camera system and simply required activation.
Commission Chair Highlights Inclusivity
Amtul Siddiqui, chair of the Calgary police commission, praised the move as a step toward greater inclusivity. “Anything we can do to be more inclusive in the city we serve is fantastic,” she said. Siddiqui noted the feature benefits both community members and officers by enabling two-way communication and preserving evidence. “CPS is innovative and moving forward much faster than our counterparts across the country,” she added.
Cost and Privacy Considerations
While police did not disclose the exact cost, they confirmed the feature will add several hundred thousand dollars over the five-year contract with Axon. Deputy Chief Cory Daley acknowledged privacy concerns related to artificial intelligence use on body cameras. “Any technology that moves this fast requires appropriate governance and human moderation,” he said. Daley emphasized that CPS has a robust governance process to ensure public trust, transparency, and bias-free implementation. “We’ll continue to adapt as the technology evolves,” he added.
Implementation and Training
The translation feature will be available on all CPS body-worn cameras from June 1. Officers will receive training on how to use the tool effectively, ensuring accurate and respectful communication during interactions. The system is designed to handle multiple languages simultaneously, supporting Calgary’s multicultural population.
This initiative positions CPS as a leader in integrating innovative technology for community policing. By breaking down language barriers, the service aims to improve trust and efficiency in encounters with non-English speakers. The real-time translation capability adds to other features of the body-worn cameras, such as high-definition recording and cloud storage.
As the first Canadian police force to adopt this technology, CPS sets a precedent that other agencies may follow. The move reflects a broader trend toward leveraging AI to enhance public safety while addressing ethical and privacy challenges.
