MR_ALPR

Hamilton Police Service is installing integrated Automated Licence Plate Readers (ALPR) and in-car camera (ICC) systems in patrol vehicles across Hamilton.

The investment comes after a provincial grant to increase transparency and accountability in policing, and to leverage technologies that will enhance community and officer safety.

The technologies are effective for conducting investigations related to traffic and criminal offences by detecting plates that are linked to occurrences such as wanted and missing persons, stolen vehicles, and unattached plates. In addition, there are benefits that will come with having an objective recording of an interaction between an officer and member of the public.

Hamilton Police will beginning rolling out the technology on May 1, with full implementation expected by September 2023. When complete, 78 patrol vehicles will be outfitted across the City.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) has released guidelines on the use of ALPRS by police services. This report ensures that the use of this technology respects privacy rights recognized under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and personal information is handled in a lawful manner.

Hamilton Police continue to see a large number of vehicles without proper registration. Ontario drivers are still required to renew their licence plate, otherwise drivers could face a fine. Plates can be renewed online at https://www.ontario.ca/page/renew-your-licence-plate.

For more information on the Hamilton Police ALPR policy and usage, visit https://hamiltonpolice.on.ca/about/automated-license-plate-recognition