Public Safety Cameras
Surrey Police Service’s Public Safety Camera program is intended to support crime prevention, improve investigative capabilities and enhance community safety.
Surrey Police Service’s (SPS) Public Safety Camera Program supports crime prevention, enhances public safety, and assists police investigations.
The program includes both mobile and fixed camera systems that help deter and investigate criminal activity in Surrey. Cameras may also be deployed at major events to support crowd management, public safety, and emergency response.
All cameras are used only publicly accessible areas. They are positioned to avoid recording inside private residences or any location where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. Video recordings are collected solely for public safety and law enforcement purposes.
Some cameras are equipped with Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology, which helps police identify and locate stolen vehicles. Cameras are not used for speed enforcement and are not equipped with facial recognition or biometric identification technology.
For more information, please contact Surrey Police Service at 604-599-0502.
Personal information collected by Public Safety Cameras is authorized under section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (BC).
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Public Safety Camera Program work?
When a public safety camera is installed in an area, video is being recorded, 24/7. Live monitoring can also be accessed by police, when there is a reported incident or a heightened public safety concern. Police use the video recordings to investigate and solve crimes if criminal activity is reported in the areas where these cameras are set up.
Will video recordings be released publicly?
Recordings will not be released to the public or media unless required by law (disclosure to BC Prosecution Service or a Freedom of Information request) or if approval has been obtained from the Chief Constable. On rare occasions, SPS may release a recording to the public that shows interactions with the public where a compelling public interest exists.
If I was recorded, can I access my video?
Recordings can only be released in accordance with Part 2 or Part 3 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. For more information, please contact the SPS Information, Privacy and Disclosure Unit.
Are these cameras going to catch me speeding in the area?
The Public Safety Camera Program is not intended to enforce speeding infractions. However, should there be a motor vehicle incident, the cameras will be able to assist law enforcement with gathering necessary evidence.
Do other police services use public safety cameras?
While the programs may differ slightly, many police agencies in BC and Canada utilize mobile and stationary CCTV cameras to capture video evidence and help with crowd management at major events. The Vancouver Police Department, Toronto Police Service and Calgary Police Service are a few examples of Canadian police agencies currently using public safety cameras.