Privacy and Technology – wrps.on.ca

The exploration and use of technology are essential for WRPS to meet its obligations to the community regarding public safety, including the prevention and investigation of crimes, as well as to improve overall administration.Technologies are assessedto protect privacy and security while ensuring thepublic has access to police information as outlined inthe Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act(MFIPPA).

WRPS iscommitted to assessing the impacts ofnew and existing technology, procedures and programs with access and privacy at the forefront, as well as to ensure compliance with the Criminal Code of Canada, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Police Services Act, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and any other relevant laws or legislation. As such, information is collected through lawful authority, judicial authorization or upon consent.

We continue our commitment to providing citizens with responsive policing services that foster a relationship of trust and transparency within our community.

Remotely Piloted Vehicle(RPV)

The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) uses a remotely piloted vehicle (RPV), to assist with a variety of law enforcement functions:

A RPV is also used to create internal training videos and external communication videos. Any use of personal information for these purposes requires a signedPhotograph/Video Release and Consentform.

Body-Worn Video (BWV)/In-Car Video (ICV)

WRPS use of Body-Worn Video is informed by the Information andPrivacy Commissioner of Ontario'sGuidance for the use of Body-Worn Cameras by Law Enforcement Authoritiestoprovide oversight and accountability for police interactions with the public.

Device Extraction Technologies are utilized to unlock electronic devices and extract data relevant to law enforcement investigations or prosecutions. Use of this technologyis based on consent, judicial authorization or immediate risk to public safety and is used by authorized police officers only.

Greykey and Cellebrite

Statistics

Image Analytics

Image Analytics Technologies are utilized by authorized police officers to view, process and analyze lawfully obtained photographs, video footage, etc.for specific images that are relevant to law enforcement investigations or prosecutions. While this technology does utilizefacial recognition, it is notused to scan the internet, social media, etc.It is used solely for video obtained on consent, through a warrant or targeted electronic surveillance. The purpose of using this technology is to expedite the process of locating objects or individuals withinthe lawfully obtainedvideo.

BriefCam

BriefCamis a new program utilized by WRPS in 2022.BriefCam software can quickly search volumes of video that would otherwise be impossible to examine manually, providing investigative clues that create intelligence and operational information for officers. BriefCam does not expand the collection of personal information by investigators.

Select the WRPS Feedbackform to submit any questions or commentsregardinguse of technology.

If you have questions about making an Access to Information request under the MFIPPA, please contact theAccess to Information Unit.

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Privacy and Technology - wrps.on.ca