Waterloo Regional Police use CCTV in 19 investigations

The Waterloo Regional Police Service reported that its new network of CCTV and automated licence plate recognition (ALPR) cameras was used in 19 investigations during its first 44 days of operation. Inspector Jarrett Brown of the police service’s Innovation and Modernization division informed the police services board that the system has supported a wide range of cases, including sexual assault, robbery, abduction, break and enter, dangerous driving, impaired driving, fraud, and collisions.

As of the report, 12 camera locations are operational with 28 cameras deployed across the region. The system has been utilized ten times in Cambridge, eight times in Waterloo, and once in North Dumfries. Of the 19 accesses, 17 were historical CCTV requests and two were ALPR requests supported through judicial authorization.

The program, which launched in Waterloo on June 23 and expanded to Cambridge and North Dumfries on July 19, continues to grow. Additional installations are planned for Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge as infrastructure becomes available. Police noted the technology has been effective in verifying witness statements and confirming whether alleged crimes actually occurred.