Why CCTV cameras still aren’t up in Waterloo

CTV’s Spencer Turcotte explains how police plan to use dozens of closed-circuit cameras in the City of Waterloo.

Waterloo was supposed to get Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in January but, as of mid-March, they still hadn’t gone up.

The delay was addressed at Wednesday’s board meeting of the Waterloo Regional Police Service.

“Our plan initially was to have these cameras installed earlier this year,” explained Deputy Chief Jen Davis. “We’re still working through a couple of the final pieces around the [Memorandum of Understanding] with the various municipalities, and even with the region and partners. So once those are done, then we can start.”

The 52 cameras will be spread across the region’s seven municipalities, though exact locations have not been shared. Signs will be posted, however, to warn the public that they are in the area.

“I hope to have some news for you in the very near future on when we can actually start implementation… and then also the locations,” Davis said Wednesday.

Police called the cameras an investigative tool to fight crime but promised there would be no live monitoring of neighbourhoods. While the facial recognition software would be turned off, automated licence plate readers would be active. As for any unused footage, it would be deleted after 30 days.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service said it would be responsible for operating and maintaining the CCTV cameras.