Collingwood OPP is hoping to make a list of the addresses in town with security cameras for potential use (with permission) should an incident occur in the area.
In April, the Collingwood/Blue Mountains OPP added their detachment to the list of registered police forces in Ontario on CAMSafe, a security camera registry program and online database first launched in Ontario in 2021.
In an interview this week, Collingwood/Blue Mountains OPP detachment commander Insp. Loris Licharson said that to date, about 15 people in the area have registered so far, and he’d like to see others add their names to the list.
“I think it’s a great program. The more tools we can put in the toolbox to try and help our community, we’re game for that,” said Licharson. “It’s a great way for the community to support public safety and support us in ensuring it.”
CAMSafe was started in 2020 when Alarm Systems partnered with Belleville Police Service and a web designer to develop a third-party website aimed at creating a database of private security cameras in the province. Those who register to participate in the service sign up to acknowledge they have a security camera on their property, and include contact information and a photo of the camera’s vantage point.
If a crime occurs only police have access to the registry and can search for cameras in the specific area. If a registrant is found, an officer is given that person’s contact information to reach out and ask for camera footage.
Registering for the program does not give police automatic and 24/7 access to anyone’s security camera, and it is still up to the property owner whether they share footage when requested.
“It’s really up to individual citizens who register their cameras and are interested in supporting those investigations,” said Licharson.
Licharson said the program would not negate the need to have door-to-door canvassing when a crime occurs, and that would still take place. The online database just means that officers can get the information they need faster.
“I can really see this being a benefit in an emergent situation,” he said.
Licharson said that before the program kicked off, there was an instance locally of a major search for a missing person.
“One of the defining moments was when we did a video canvas and managed to get an image of the person on a camera, and their direction of travel,” he said. “It’s incredibly important when there’s a case of a missing person.”
“It’s a positive example of where this program could really help,” he said.
During the July 18 police services board meeting, Licharson explained the program and how it will be used to the Collingwood Police Services Board.
“I didn’t know this existed. I think if residents and business owners knew, this could be a great thing,” said Mayor Yvonne Hamlin during the meeting.
More information about CAMSafe including how to register your camera is available here.
