Funding for new equipment and improved technology will enhance police efforts to prevent crime, especially gun and gang violence
The Ontario government is investing almost $1.8 million to help 20 police services across the province expand video surveillance systems and better protect communities from the threat of gun and gang violence.
The funding is being delivered through the Ontario Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Grant Program and will be used to replace outdated equipment, expand or enhance current technology, and install new or additional CCTV surveillance cameras in areas where gun and gang violence and correlated crimes, such as drug and human trafficking, are most prevalent.
“Our government is determined to provide police services with the tools and resources they need to keep Ontarians safe,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “CCTV surveillance systems are an important part of local police work to detect, prevent and deter criminal activity, especially in areas of gun and gang violence and other serious crimes. This funding will help police services strengthen CCTV capacity and improve crime prevention efforts to better protect communities.”
Launched in August 2020, the Ontario CCTV Grant program is part of Ontario’s Guns, Gangs and Violence Reduction Strategy. The grant represents a $6 million investment over three fiscal years, from 2020-2021 to 2022-2023.
Quick Facts
- CCTV grant recipients for the 2022-2023 fiscal year include 12 municipal police services, two First Nations police services, five Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) municipal contract locations and one OPP non-contract location.
- Funding covers 50 per cent of project costs (up to a maximum of $200,000) and will help pay for CCTV cameras, software and installation.
Cobourg Police Service will receive $176,705 for the Next Gen Community Safety Strategy
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
