Guelph police will soon have more eyes on downtown core.
New closed-circuit televisions (CCTV) will be installed as part of a new community safety operations centre (CSOC), with the goal to support a reduction in crime and making residents feel more safe, say Guelph police.
They say 19 cameras will be included in the initial phase of the plan, and put in various places throughout Downtown Guelph.
“We are aiming to have the CSOC up and running by the end of March, but it depends on being able to get all the equipment in time due to supply chain issues,” said police spokesperson Scott Tracey.
The cameras themselves will not be monitored actively, only used to respond to serious incidents, and will only capture public spaces.
Footage will be held for 72 hours, before being recorded over.
“For example, if our communications centre is advised of a serious assault which has just occurred, officers working in the community safety operations centre can access live footage from cameras in the area to track suspects or monitor the area for safety,” police said in a news release.
Police also say the cameras may also be used as a proactive measure in dealing with major events, including St. Patrick’s Day and Homecoming.
Tracey added a number of meetings were held ahead of time with the Information and Privacy Commissioner’s office to make sure everything being done is “in accordance with their privacy guidelines.”
Anyone with questions is invited to a public consultation session at police headquarters on Wyndham Street. The session runs Wed. March 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Another portion of the CSOC focuses on a new call management program.
“This will see certain types of calls handled by telephone or directed to online reporting,” police said in the release. “(Which will free) up front-line officers to respond to high-priority and in-progress calls more efficiently, while reducing wait times.”
