Authorities in Sault Ste. Marie have announced the activation of 30 surveillance cameras throughout the city to bolster public safety and discourage criminal behavior. The closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, initially unveiled last year, have been strategically placed in various locations in Sault Ste. Marie to aid in investigations such as missing persons cases and traffic incidents.
As of Monday, the 30 cameras are operational, positioned outside of long-term care facilities, retirement homes, and key intersections identified through a data-driven analysis of service calls, according to police officials.
Inspector Derek Dewar of the Sault Police emphasized the role of these cameras in providing timely insights to support positive outcomes during a press briefing on Monday.
The police department secured approximately $150,000 in funding from the provincial government in 2023 for the acquisition of these cameras. Police Chief Brent Duguay disclosed plans to install an additional 15 cameras in specific locations across the city within the next six months, primarily in areas with frequent service calls.
Duguay highlighted the efficiency these cameras bring by reducing the time needed to gather community information for criminal investigations. Similar initiatives have been in place in other cities in the province, such as Sudbury.
The “Eye in the Sky” program, initiated by local Lions Clubs, saw the installation of the first cameras in 1996, with the current count at 17 cameras. In 2018, the Greater Sudbury Police upgraded most of their downtown cameras to high-definition models.
Except for specific situations, Sault Police clarified that the cameras will not be actively monitored and access will be restricted to authorized personnel only. Public notifications indicating the camera locations have been posted near each installation.
Chief Duguay emphasized the intention behind implementing the cameras is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of police operations rather than just spending money for the sake of it.