Starting June 2, 2026, Brandon police officers on the front lines will begin wearing body cameras during their shifts. The Brandon Police Service (BPS) is rolling out about 65 cameras in partnership with Axon Public Safety Canada Inc., a move aimed at building trust and providing clear records of police interactions with the public.
Officers will wear the devices on the front of their uniforms, where a flashing red light shows when the camera is recording. The cameras are meant to capture specific moments, like investigations and enforcement actions, not the entire workday of an officer. While police are not legally required to tell people they are being recorded, they have been trained to give a heads-up whenever it is reasonable to do so.
The program is part of a bigger upgrade to digital evidence management that will cost around $440,000. To handle the new technology and all the video footage, BPS is hiring four new staff members – three professional positions and one sworn officer. All recordings will be stored in a secure digital system with tight controls on who can access them, in line with Manitoba privacy laws.
According to the Brandon Police Service, this has been in the works for about five years. Police Board Chair Deb Arpin said the program could not be delayed any longer because it is needed for openness and public safety. She noted the 2026 police budget was tight, but the investment was a priority. The body cameras use Axon technology, which is already used by the RCMP, Manitoba First Nations Police Service, and other big agencies across Canada.
Police Chief Tyler Bates, who became chief in October 2024, is leading the rollout as part of his focus on community engagement. Residents will not notice cameras running all day, but they will be switched on for interactions where police are investigating or enforcing the law. The goal is to provide an objective record that can help with evidence, de-escalation, and safety for everyone involved.
