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- calendar_today November 10, 2026
Expansion of Surveillance Infrastructure in Montreal
Montreal police have announced plans to expand their surveillance network with the installation of nearly 100 new surveillance cameras throughout the city. This initiative involves a recent call for tenders to purchase 66 traditional cameras and 30 fixed automatic licence plate readers (ALRPs). These new devices will supplement the 76 surveillance cameras already in use on city streets and in patrol cars.
About the New Technologies
The deployment will include both conventional surveillance cameras and advanced ALRPs. Montreal’s police force, the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), utilizes Genetec Cloudrunner ALRPs. These devices are capable of identifying a vehicle’s license plate, make, model, color, and direction of travel.
Civil Liberties Groups Raise Privacy Concerns
This significant increase in police technology has prompted civil liberties groups to express concerns over potential mass surveillance and a lack of transparency in implementing these technologies. The AI-powered ALRPs in Montreal are similar to Flock systems widely used by police in the United States. In the U.S., at least 50 police officers and employees have been accused, charged, fired, or arrested for misusing such surveillance systems, raising privacy and data misuse worries.
Investments in Video Analytics and AI Surveillance
Last year, the SPVM invested $1.8 million in iMotion ROC software, a video analytics platform capable of analyzing both live video streams and archived footage. This software is designed to extract biometric and behavioral data such as age, ethnicity, gender, clothing, and vehicle information. The SPVM stated that while the software has facial recognition and AI analytic features, these remain disabled for live tracking purposes.
Debate Surrounding Mass Surveillance and Public Transparency
The expansion of Montreal’s surveillance capabilities has sparked a public debate about balancing public safety with privacy rights. Civil liberties advocates continue to call for greater transparency regarding how data will be collected, stored, and used, especially in light of national and international reports of misuse of similar surveillance technologies. The SPVM maintains that its system settings limit the scope of AI analytics currently active, but public scrutiny about mass surveillance persists.
Looking Ahead
As Montreal moves forward with installing nearly 100 new surveillance cameras and additional license plate recognition systems, discussions around police technology, privacy concerns, and civil liberties are likely to continue. The SPVM’s efforts to manage these complex issues will remain under close observation by advocates and the public alike.
Related coverage
Source: cultmtl.com.
