Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR)
Hamilton Police Service uses Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology to assist officers in identifying vehicles and licence plates associated with offences or public safety concerns. ALPR cameras automatically scan licence plates in the surrounding area of a police cruiser, helping officers detect suspended drivers, stolen vehicles, missing persons, and other plates in poor standing.
Under optimal conditions, ALPR systems can scan thousands of licence plates per hour.
Hamilton Police Service uses an integrated ALPR system mounted inside police vehicles. The system includes:
- A front-facing dash camera
- An artificial intelligence-powered licence plate scanner
As officers patrol, the system scans passing licence plates and compares them against authorized law enforcement databases, commonly referred to as a “hotlist.”
If a scanned plate matches information on the hotlist, the system generates a “hit” and alerts the officer.
Examples of hotlist matches may include:
- Suspended drivers
- Stolen or missing vehicles
- Suspended or invalid plates
- Expired vehicle registrations
- Persons with outstanding warrants or reported missing
Non-Hit
If a scanned licence plate does not match a hotlist entry, no alert is generated and the information is automatically deleted.
Hit
If a plate matches a hotlist entry, officers receive an alert and limited vehicle and registered owner information to verify the hit before taking any enforcement action.
Officers must independently confirm all information before conducting enforcement activities.
Hamilton Police Service uses ALPR technology in accordance with:
- The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA)
- Guidance provided by the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC)
Information related to verified hits is retained according to legal and privacy requirements. Non-hit data is deleted.
ALPR technology:
- Does not monitor public movement
- Does not detect offences such as speeding, red-light violations, or distracted driving
- Does not automatically issue tickets
The dash camera component may capture video when activated by an officer or through automatic triggers such as emergency lights being engaged.
Hamilton Police Service vehicles equipped with ALPR technology are deployed throughout the city as part of the patrol fleet.
For more information about ALPR policies and usage, visit the Axon Transparency Portal.
If you have questions or concerns about ALPR technology, contact: 905-546-3621
Body-Worn Cameras
The Program
In June 2024, the Hamilton Police Service Board approved the implementation of body-worn cameras. Since 2015, Hamilton Police Service has regularly updated the Board on body-worn camera usage and monitored the effectiveness of the technology across Canada.
Body-worn cameras help promote transparency, accountability, public trust, and community safety by providing an objective record of interactions between police and the public. The initiative supports the Hamilton Police Service Strategic Plan and its focus on modernization, innovation, and responsible technology use.
Deployment to frontline officers and identified specialty uniformed units began on March 3, 2025.
If you have questions or concerns about the program, contact:
Sergeant Scott Moore
905-546-3621
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Hamilton Police Service using body-worn cameras?
Body-worn cameras are intended to increase transparency and accountability during interactions between police and the public, while also enhancing public and officer safety. The cameras may also capture important evidence during investigations.
When are body-worn cameras activated?
Officers activate body-worn cameras before arriving at a call for service, when beginning an investigation, or when gathering information from individuals. Recording stops when the interaction or investigation has concluded, or when recording is no longer necessary.
Will I know when recording is taking place?
Yes. Cameras are clearly visible and include indicators showing when recording is active. Officers will notify individuals that recording is taking place when it is safe and practical to do so.
Can someone request that the camera be turned off?
In limited circumstances, yes. Officers may stop recording inside a private residence or private place when:
- they entered without a warrant or legal authority,
- the occupant does not consent to recording, and
- there are no exigent circumstances requiring continued recording.
Will officers receive training?
Yes. Officers receive training before being issued a body-worn camera and continue to receive ongoing training related to the technology and associated procedures.
Is there a body-worn camera policy?
Yes. Hamilton Police Service has an approved policy that provides officers with operational direction regarding the use of body-worn cameras.
Click here to view the policy.
Members who fail to follow procedures may be subject to discipline following an internal investigation.
Can officers review footage before writing notes?
Officers complete their notes in accordance with standard operating procedures. If additional information is required after reviewing footage, an addendum may be added that references the review of the body-worn camera footage.
How is body-worn camera footage stored?
All footage is securely stored on Canadian servers in accordance with applicable provincial and federal legislation, records retention requirements, and security standards.
Video files are encrypted during upload, transfer, and storage.
Who can access the footage?
Access is restricted to authorized personnel, including:
- the recording officer,
- involved officers,
- supervisors for auditing purposes, and
- specialized investigative units where necessary.
All access is logged and audited.
Can footage be edited or deleted?
Authorized personnel may redact footage when required to protect privacy or comply with legislation. Redactions do not alter the original recording.
Files may be deleted according to retention schedules; however, audit information related to the file is retained.
Can members of the public request footage?
Yes. Requests for body-worn camera footage must be submitted through the Hamilton Police Service Freedom of Information Unit.
Why was this technology selected?
Hamilton Police Service has researched body-worn camera technology since 2014. Axon cameras were selected for their compatibility with existing systems and operational features.
The program cost is projected at under $9.6 million over five years.
Do body-worn cameras use facial recognition or surveillance technology?
No. Hamilton Police Service body-worn cameras do not use facial recognition technology and are not used for surveillance purposes.
Do the cameras include audio and transcription features?
Yes. The cameras record audio and video, and the system includes transcription capabilities.
How long does the battery last?
The battery is designed to last an entire 12-hour shift.
Disciplinary Hearings & Decisions
Police officers in Ontario are governed by the Community Safety and Policing Act. When misconduct allegations are substantiated, officers may face discipline through a formal hearing process.
For transparency, decisions made by the Hearing Officer are posted on the Hamilton Police Service website for three months following the decision.
PSA Decisions
Date
Officer
Charge
Hearing Officer
Policies
Hamilton Police Service policies establish the standards and expectations that guide our work. As part of our commitment to openness and accountability, we make these policies available to the public for review.
Body-Worn Cameras (BWC)
Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS)
Hamilton Police Service uses a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) to support public safety and police operations.
RPAS may be used for:
- Collision scene reconstruction
- Collecting evidence at crime scenes
- Searches for missing or lost persons
- Monitoring large gatherings
- Supporting criminal investigations
Other uses are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will only occur when appropriate legal authority or judicial authorization has been obtained.
Hamilton Police Service is committed to protecting privacy in the use of RPAS. A Privacy Impact Assessment has been completed using guidelines from the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. All collection, use, disclosure, and retention of personal information follows the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).
RPAS pilots receive training in safe operation, flight theory, weather, privacy legislation, and must requalify annually.
When possible, notice of RPAS use will be shared through social media and/or signage, except in emergencies or situations where notice could affect safety.