LPS Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh says the introduction of body-worn cameras will be beneficial for police officers and the public. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

LPS Chief says body cams will improve accountability & public trust

Aug 1, 2025 | 9:56 AM

Work is underway to equip Lethbridge’s police officers with body-worn cameras.

Earlier this week, Lethbridge City Council approved funding for the implementation and ongoing operating costs of the cameras for the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS).

LPS Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh says he, his officers and the Lethbridge Police Commission are excited about the adoption of this technology.

“It really increases the level of transparency for the police, and also, these devices can provide us with much better evidence collection and providing that evidence for cases for the courts,” says Mehdizadeh.

He adds, “It’s gonna also address some of the complaints against the service where we actually have video and audio footage of some of the complaints… we can really expedite those investigations to move forward.”

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In 2023, the Alberta Government mandated that all police services in the province require body-worn cameras for their officers.

READ MORE: Alberta to mandate body cams for all police services

Mehadizadeh says LPS will develop its own policies for the proper use of the cameras, and will be able to rely on existing regulations from the province and other police services that already have them.

Each member will receive training for the body cameras from the provider, Axon.

The estimated cost for each camera is approximately $3,000 per year, and Mehdizadeh says LPS will be ordering around 160 of them. Each camera must be assigned to a specific officer and cannot be shared with other members.

LPS will lease the cameras because the chief says it will allow Axon to provide ongoing support, replace any devices that break, and swap out the existing cameras for newer models that are introduced.

“There’s also going to be civilian staff that are going to be hired to manage the added pressures these cameras bring for evidence preservation and vetting disclosure to courts, etc.”

Mehdizadeh expects a wide rollout of the cameras to LPS officers in early 2026.

READ MORE: Funding approved for body-worn cameras for Lethbridge Police