Owen Sound Police Join Province-Wide CamSafe Registry Program
Owen Sound Police Service has joined CamSafe, a province-wide voluntary security camera registry aimed at supporting police investigations while respecting privacy.
As part of a province-wide initiative, the Owen Sound Police Service (OSPS) has officially joined the CamSafe program, a voluntary registry of privately owned security cameras aimed at assisting police investigations.
The CamSafe platform, already adopted by other jurisdictions in Ontario including Grey Bruce and South Bruce OPP detachments, allows residents and business owners to register the locations of their security cameras through an online portal at camsafe.ca.
Once registered, police can access a database of cameras in specific areas to help identify potential sources of surveillance footage when investigating crimes.
Participants provide basic information, including their name, address, contact details, and the number and general direction of their cameras. Registration is voluntary, and users retain full control of their accounts, with the ability to update or remove their information at any time.
Importantly, police cannot access video footage directly; they must request it from the property owner using the contact information provided in the registry.
While CamSafe does not provide live monitoring or automatic footage access, it streamlines investigative efforts by helping officers quickly determine whether potentially relevant footage may exist in the area of a crime.
This can reduce time spent canvassing neighbourhoods and enhance the chances of locating critical evidence.
Owen Sound Police Chief Craig Ambrose noted the program’s value during Police Week, saying the initiative strengthens collaboration between the public and law enforcement in promoting community safety.
“We encourage Owen Sound residents and businesses equipped with security cameras to register on CamSafe,” Ambrose said. “Your participation is critical in supporting OSPS’ efforts, and by working together, we can make our community safer and more secure for everyone.”
The CamSafe program operates independently from the City of Owen Sound’s surveillance initiatives in public spaces.
In contrast to the voluntary nature of CamSafe, the City’s River District Video Camera Pilot Program involves the installation of municipally owned cameras on public property.
Launched in early 2024 in response to community calls for improved safety following the death of River District business owner Sharif Rahman, the City’s project includes 17 planned cameras over two phases.
Unlike CamSafe, these cameras are maintained and monitored under municipal policies. Police request footage from the City.
The CamSafe registry and the River District pilot represent two distinct approaches to public safety: one relying on voluntary participation by private citizens, and the other on municipally operated infrastructure. Both are part of broader efforts to enhance security and support law enforcement in the region.
For more information about the CamSafe registry or to sign up, visit camsafe.ca.
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