In-Car Camera System

The cameras in our police vehicles are manufactured by Axon. Essentially, they are high definition dashcams made specifically for law enforcement. The cameras we are using are integrated with an Automated License Plate Reader that is continuously scanning vehicle license plates. Both of these technologies have existed for many years, but this all-in-one integration makes the entire system more effective.

Our forward-facing cameras are connected to a microphone an officer wears and captures all audio communication when the in-car camera system is active.

Our vehicles are also equipped with a camera focused on the backseat of each vehicle. This is the area where people in custody are seated.

We have been able to obtain this technology thanks to a provincial grant. There will be annual operating costs, but without the grants, we would not have been able to afford this technology or bring it to the streets of Peterborough, Lakefield and Cavan-Monaghan.

Currently we have 25 vehicles with this technology.

Once the cameras are activated, there will be 30 seconds of footage captured prior to activation to help with additional context. The 30 seconds of footage is not audio recorded.

The cameras are activated by several means, some automated and some manual. Once a camera has started to function, an Officer is required to record why they are deactivating the camera.

Officers are required, by our procedures, to notify people that they are being video / audio recorded when the cameras are active.

We will also be installing stickers in the backseat area to further document that everything is being recorded.

While in operation, the video is stored locally on an encrypted Hard Drive in each police vehicle. When the vehicle returns to the station, the video is uploaded to the secure storage dedicated for this purpose.

The videos are retained based on the record retention associated to the type of occurrence that is captured. For example, criminal matters will be retained longer than provincial ones (e.g. traffic stops).

We have created strong rules around what can and cannot be recorded. Unlike body worn cameras, these cameras only record what is in view of the vehicle or activity in the back seat. Many vehicles operated by the public are equipped with personal dashcams, that are recording without anyone knowing. The difference with ours is that we will advise you when they are recording.

Specific concerns about privacy can be directed to the chiefofpoliceoffice@peterborough.ca and they will be directed to the appropriate person to respond.

The camera captures all images within their field of vision. If the video is to be released, for court or other purposes, we will utilize technology to assist with blurring faces of those people that are not involved in the matter being investigated.

In addition to capturing evidence for court, the videos provide an excellent source for training (what went well, and what could be improved upon). At times we will be able to release video footage that may be of public interest or to assist with an investigation.