Montreal Administration Mandates Police Body-Worn Cameras and Introduces Civic Worker Protection Bylaw

MONTREAL, QC — Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada and the executive committee announced a $22 million public safety modernization framework, mandating body-worn cameras across the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) and introducing new municipal bylaws penalizing harassment of civic workers.

Transparency and Frontline Accountability

The initiative will equip 1,800 frontline patrol officers and intervention units with high-definition body cameras over 18 months, following an extensive pilot program. Mayor Martinez Ferrada affirmed that independent digital footage enhances transparency during police-public interactions while protecting officers and citizens against unsubstantiated complaints.

Additionally, the proposed municipal bylaw authorizes ticketing with fines up to $500 for verbal abuse and intimidation directed at municipal transit operators, inspectors, and emergency personnel.

Civil Liberties Oversight and Police Union Stance

Civil liberties advocates welcomed the camera guidelines but stressed the need for strict data retention safeguards and public access protocols.

The Montreal Police Brotherhood supported the rollout, emphasizing officer safety and objective documentation.

City Council Vote Schedule

The municipal bylaw will be tabled for formal debate and adoption by Montreal City Council in September 2026.