From Other Sources

Based on reports – mostly from media or police communications – we also know that Hamilton Police have:

  1. At least one mobile tower surveillance camera, which can be dispatched to events or actions and live monitored.
    • via news article
  2. A “Remote Piloted Aircraft System” – also known as a manually operated surveillance drone
    • via HPS twitter for the Grey Cup
  3. The ability to triangulate cell phones quickly or retroactively
    • via Bosma Murder news articles
    • used without a warrant to find someone who was deemed a risk to themselves
  4. Covert surveillance cameras they can place outside of residences
    • via Paul Manning’s twitter
  5. Had a keycode for and used – at least temporarily – Clearview AI
    • via CBC news article. Obtained by police in the fall of 2019 at a conference. As of February 2020, Bergen states the service does not use facial recognition technology
  6. Automated License Plate Readers
    • While we couldn’t find any specific indication that HPS uses ALPR technology it’s a safe bet that they do. Surrounding cities including Niagara, Burlington, Brampton, Toronto, London, Waterloo, Halton & the OPP are all documented users.

Hamilton City CCTV Program

  • There are five initial cameras in the downtown core
    • These cameras are hardwired to send signals to a viewing centre that can be monitored 24/7
    • Were installed in June 2004
  • 10 new cameras were added to James North, Ottawa Street, Concession Street and in Hess Village in 2008
    • Wireless over a secure Internet Protocol technology
    • All capable of streaming live video to any police station where recorded material is kept for 72 hours.
  • In 2014 it was reported that Hamilton Police were attempting to build a city-wide registry of private surveillance cameras they can use in their investigations, by approaching BIA’s.
    • Their hope was to integrate the feature with their crime map, from Bair Analytics
  • In 2018, Police Chief Eric Girt supported a proposed bylaw from Sam Merulla which would allow private residents’ cameras to be used to capture activities on public streets and adjacent property to deter crime.
    • The program had support from city council and the GIC, but was not yet endorsed as of March 2020. No other updates have been found.