The first new police surveillance cameras and license plate scanners are now operational at two spots in Waterloo.
A press release from the Waterloo Regional Police Service announced that the locations became active on the same day. The cameras at King Street North at University Avenue West are situated right in the university district. The cameras at King Street North at Conestogo Road are located near the north entrance of Conestoga Mall.
More installations and activations of these cameras and scanners are expected to happen soon in Kitchener, Cambridge, and the Township of North Dumfries.
Ultimately, there will be 52 cameras functioning across 10 different locations.
The cameras aren’t constantly monitoring these areas; they’re intended for collecting evidence “in the event of a crime or major incident.”
The release mentioned that any footage not needed for an investigation is automatically erased after 30 days.
The ALPR scanners do actively check license plates and can notify officers about vehicles linked to ongoing investigations or those reported as stolen.
This technology is considered “an additional tool to support investigations and improve response to incidents.”
(Mark Douglas/City News)
The system was initially scheduled to be activated earlier this year.
Police Chief Mark Crowell stated, “Our goal is to enhance community safety while respecting the rights and freedoms of the community we serve.”
He also noted that the closed-circuit television systems with automated license plate recognition technology will be used “responsibly and transparently.”
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