Edmonton police renew partnership with neurodiverse employees who redact bodycam footage

The Edmonton Police Service is permanently implementing a program that sees neurodiverse employees at an Edmonton IT company redact body-worn camera footage.

EPS and Technology North were partnered in July, and that trial project successfully concluded in October. Now it’s becoming a permanent feature on the force.

Four of the IT company’s employees, who are all on the autism spectrum, and their coach join other redaction specialists to remove elements from body-cam footage that may infringe on the privacy of individuals.

That includes licence plates on a nearby vehicle, a citizen walking by, or any sensitive or private information.

“This work is often done frame by frame and requires significant attention to detail, work that suits the extraordinary capabilities and talents of individuals on the autism spectrum,” the EPS said in a news release.

The Technology North employees are being employed on an as-needed, contract basis, and will be compensated within the EPS’ existing operational budget.

Body-worn cameras are being deployed across the Edmonton Police Service throughout 2025.

WATCH: Edmonton police begin body camera rollout

“We are thrilled to say this development project was a resounding success, and we look forward to welcoming additional members of the Technology North team in 2025,” said Supt. Derek McIntyre with the EPS Information and Analytics Division.

“As we begin planning the phased deployment of body worn cameras to the remainder of the service, the volume of footage requiring redaction will only continue to increase and we are excited to know that the Technology North team will be available to support this need.”

The partnership between EPS and Technology North first started after they connected through the Telus Community Safety Wellness Accelerator — a group created through the Edmonton Police Foundation aimed at finding innovative solutions for various issues around the city.