Montreal police deploy automated licence-plate recognition cameras

Montreal police have confirmed the deployment of a Cloudrunner automated licence-plate recognition camera to assist in targeted investigative work. The technology automatically records licence plates and specific vehicle characteristics, enabling investigators to conduct searches of the captured data at a later time.

Police spokesperson Marc-Antoine Bélanger stated that the camera was obtained through a rental agreement for temporary use in specific cases. He noted that one camera was recently removed to protect ongoing investigative strategies, though additional units may be deployed as needed. Access to the captured images is restricted to investigators assigned to the relevant cases.

This technology is distinct from the Montreal police’s existing network of 46 urban security cameras, which are permanently stationed across the city. While the urban security network is accessible at all times, the Cloudrunner camera is intended for specialized, temporary deployment.