CCTV cameras used in 19 cases, more to be switched on in K-W, Cambridge

The Waterloo Regional Police Services Board was updated this week on the first 44 days of CCTV camera use in Waterloo Region.

The closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras were used in 19 investigations, for a variety of cases.

In a report presented to the board, Inspector Jarrett Brown of the police service’s Innovation and Modernization division said the cameras were used in sexual assault, robbery, abduction, break and enter, dangerous driving, impaired driving, fraud, and collision investigations.

“One of the most important and encouraging indicators is that we have a variety of investigative use,” said Brown.

“Our investigative teams are finding value across multiple areas of policing and are beginning to treat the CCTV program as another available source of evidence when developing investigative leads.”

Brown added the cameras have been helpful in verifying witness statements including in one case in North Dumfries where a reported impaired driver had fallen asleep at the wheel at a red light.

In another case, the cameras helped verify an alleged serious crime had not happened, allowing investigators to move on.

All in all, the cameras along with the integrated automated licence plate recognition (ALPR), were used ten times in Cambridge, eight times in Waterloo, and once in North Dumfries.

The cameras in Kitchener, near Fairview Park Mall, were not installed until August 6, and not included in the numbers.

Twelves cameras are operational as of today, with 28 deployed. Police hope to have one more camera activated in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge in the coming weeks.

Board members, encouraged by the report, asked if this was an opportunity to help inform regional municipalities who have either decided to hold off on allowing installation of the cameras on municipal property or who haven’t made a decision yet.

Woolwich and Wellesley councillors have yet to make a final decision, while Wilmot Township Council said it would not move forward with the plan.

“We want to respect their choice of the timing or implementation of the program but certainly I think that this first positive news and positive report may inform future decisions by each of the townships and municipalities,” noted Brown.

Conversations on the future of CCTV cameras are not just happening at the municipal level. Police Chief Mark Crowell said there are conversations with the province as well about how to use this technology more efficiently.

“At the Canadian Association of Chiefs conference this is the dialogue about the current and future state of policing,” said Crowell.

Crowell added the use of the cameras on Hwy. 401 and other highways around and within Waterloo Region is critical.

“We are in continued dialogue with the province on the Ministry of Transportation capability along our highway corridors and we look forward to future positive announcements in time ahead, not just within Waterloo Region but we’re hopeful across the province and beyond.”

Of the 12 cameras currently on and active, four are in Waterloo, four are in Cambridge, two are in Kitchener, and two are in North Dumfries.

Their locations can be found here.