Ottawa Police Service Embraces Artificial Intelligence with Comprehensive New Framework
The Ottawa Police Service is preparing to integrate artificial intelligence tools into its investigative processes, with a formal policy governing their use scheduled for release in April 2026. This significant technological advancement comes with explicit safeguards designed to protect citizen rights and maintain public trust.
Balancing Innovation with Constitutional Protections
Chief Eric Stubbs emphasized during a March 25 presentation to the Ottawa Police Services Board that while AI presents substantial opportunities for improving community safety and service delivery, its implementation must be carefully managed. "We recognize that, when used appropriately, AI has the potential to support community safety and improve our service delivery," Stubbs stated. "At the same time, we're clear that the innovation must be grounded in strong governance, clear controls and accountability."
The forthcoming policy will specifically address concerns surrounding privacy, bias, and public trust that have emerged as police services across Canada explore AI applications. According to board documents, the framework will explicitly incorporate Charter protections, human rights obligations, privacy requirements, and privacy impact assessments.
Facial Recognition Technology as Investigative Tool
One of the most discussed applications involves facial recognition software that would help investigators generate leads in criminal cases. Deputy Chief Trish Ferguson explained that the technology would analyze legally obtained images and videos from crime scenes, comparing them against existing police databases.
"That will be significantly helpful for a number of cases where we have shoplifting, frauds, property crimes," Ferguson noted. "We will be seeing a more effective use in being able to solve these cases." The technology represents just one aspect of the AI tools being considered, which also include transcription services for incident reports and other analytical capabilities.
Governance Framework and Legal Compliance
Alta Vista Councillor Marty Carr, who serves as vice-chair of the Ottawa Police Services Board, stressed the importance of maintaining legal boundaries in AI implementation. "We need to make sure that any use of AI in policing is grounded in Canadian law, and, of course, upholds the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms," Carr said in an interview. "It's human rights that set the boundaries, not the technology."
The board's governance role includes ensuring that any technological adoption supports rather than undermines privacy rights, equality, and due process. Carr emphasized that developing an AI policy is essential to the board's oversight responsibilities, particularly in maintaining accountability and public confidence during this technological transition.
Addressing Widespread Concerns in Policing Community
Chief Stubbs acknowledged that many police services across Canada are navigating similar challenges with AI integration. "There's a lot of police services that are wondering where to go with AI and it is a very fluid and ever-changing process," he told the board. The Ottawa Police Service aims to establish itself as a leader in responsible AI implementation through its comprehensive policy framework.
The final policy, expected to be introduced in late April, will provide detailed guidelines for AI usage while addressing legitimate concerns that have emerged around algorithmic bias, data privacy, and transparency in law enforcement applications of artificial intelligence.
