Toronto getting $3M to more than double its number of CCTV cameras

Aug 23 2019, 1:38 pm

In an attempt to help Toronto battle the latest wave of gun violence, the province will be providing a $3 million investment for new closed circuit television (CCTV).

Premier Doug Ford and Mayor John made the announcement on Friday morning, and the investment will more than double the number of cameras currently operated by the Toronto Police Service.

Toronto currently has 34 cameras, this will now increase to 74 in total.

The funding is in addition to last week’s announcement for “Project Community Space“, an 11-week initiative that will put more police officers on the ground in areas where gun violence have occurred recently.

“Our government is taking the necessary steps to protect law-abiding citizens and keep violent criminals off our streets,” said Ford in a statement. “This investment will give the Toronto Police Service the tools they need to fight gun and gang violence in Toronto and put violent criminals behind bars – where they belong.”

Mayor Tory says that the cameras will directly help the Toronto Police combat gun and gang violence.

“Today’s announcement is one of the many ways we are working together to keep our streets and communities safe for everyone,” he said.

The province says that cameras will “act as both a deterrent to crime and aid law enforcement to ensure that dangerous criminals responsible for gun and gang violence are promptly brought to justice.”

According to the City of Toronto, The Toronto Police Service locates CCTV cameras where they have the biggest impact on protecting public safety.

“Those decisions are made only after exhaustive research. Divisions requesting CCTV cameras are required to do considerable work, including detailed crime analysis, and put together a comprehensive plan that explains why they believe that CCTV cameras will increase public safety,” states the City.

DH Toronto StaffDH Toronto Staff

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