Niagara Regional Police Service received $192,275 in provincial government funding to improve video surveillance, a news release said. The money comes from the Ontario Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) grant program to replace outdated equipment, expand or enhance current technology and install new or additional CCTV surveillance cameras in areas where gun and gang violence, illegal drug activity and human trafficking are prevalent, the release added.
"The Niagara Regional Police Service welcomes this investment as we continue to leverage and expand resources within our Real Time Operations Centre to utilize CCTV cameras as an investigative tool," said NRP Chief Bryan MacCulloch. "Niagara has not been immune to the increase of gun violence that we have seen in other communities, and we welcome this opportunity to work collaboratively with our local municipalities to address these concerning incidents within our region. This additional funding from the Ontario government allows us to expand the existing network, making our community safer for both residents and visitors to Niagara."
The Niagara Regional Police Service is one of 24 police services across the province receiving funding with more than $2.8 million being allocated through the CCTV grant program.
"Our government is taking action 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. The systems also enhance police efforts to investigate crimes and provide evidence necessary to lay charges."
The CCTV Grant was first introduced in 2020. Since that time, the Ontario government has allocated approximately $7.4 million in funding for surveillance systems to police services across the province. The grant funding covers fifty percent of project costs up to a maximum of $200,000 for each successful project, the release said. The Ontario government is investing $163 million to immediately strengthen the province's efforts to fight crime including combatting bail non-compliance and auto thefts.
"Our government is working hard to support local police services and front line officers in their efforts to prevent crime and hold offenders accountable," said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.
