A network of specialized cameras installed at key intersections across Brampton has helped Peel Regional Police investigate more than 200 crimes since being deployed, city officials say.

The city announced Monday that the system of 50 high-tech cameras equipped with 360-degree imaging and automated licence plate recognition technology has become a valuable investigative tool for police, providing digital evidence in cases ranging from auto thefts and hit-and-runs to violent crimes and extortion investigations.

“Brampton is the most inconvenient place in the country to commit a crime,” Mayor Patrick Brown said during a press conference highlighting the program’s first-year results. “I hope organized crime is following the news so that they can learn why Brampton is a horrible place for them to operate.”

According to Brown, the cameras have supported police in more than 200 investigations since being installed in the past year and have played a role in solving two major crimes.

“This demonstrates the real-world value that these tools provide,” Brown said. “It is a powerful investigative tool when incidents occur.”

The $11.4-million camera program was announced in March 2025, making Brampton the first municipality in Canada to deploy the technology at city intersections.

The cameras are strategically located at undisclosed intersections throughout the city and are linked to Peel Regional Police. Each unit is capable of recording in all directions while also capturing licence plate information from passing vehicles.

Officials say the technology allows investigators to quickly track the movement of suspect vehicles and gather evidence that previously may not have been available.

“This means that if someone goes through these intersections, we are going to have their visual identification, and if they are part of any crime, we will be able to investigate and hold them accountable,” Brown said.

Before the system was installed, police often relied on footage from private security cameras belonging to homeowners and businesses. The new network provides investigators with a consistent source of video evidence that can be accessed quickly following a crime.

Brown said the technology gives police an advantage that is not available in many other jurisdictions.

“Whether it is a violent crime, a hit-and-run, an auto theft, an extortion, if you are driving a car away from a scene, you are going to get caught at one of our intersections,” he said.

The mayor also used the announcement to send a warning to criminal organizations operating in the city.

“This is a message to organized crime or anyone that wants to commit any criminal activity in Brampton, that you will be caught, you will be on camera, and that digital evidence will be available to Peel Police to make sure that you are held accountable for your crimes,” he said.

City officials have previously said the cameras are intended to assist criminal investigations and improve public safety, not issue traffic tickets. The system does not use facial recognition technology, a decision made to address privacy concerns.

Brown said the program is ultimately about making Brampton safer while providing police with critical evidence that can help solve crimes and bring offenders to justice.

 

 


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