The Vancouver Police Department uses CCTV cameras to support community safety, prevent crime, and assist in police investigations.

The cameras are placed in high-crime areas, specifically where violent crime is a concern. In addition to deterring crime, the footage can be used to investigate and solve crime when criminal activity is reported in the area.

CCTV monitoring will be conducted in a professional, ethical, and legal manner in accordance with section 26(b) and 27(1)(c)(iv) of the British Columbia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Locations

The VPD has identified two locations with the highest number of violent incidents, including serious assaults, robberies, and homicides.

  • Main and Hastings
  • Carrall and Hastings

Anyone in the area can expect to see signs notifying them that they are entering an area that may be monitored by CCTV community cameras.

Questions?

Email vpd@vpd.ca

Frequently Asked Questions

Video will be captured and recorded so investigators can use the footage to investigate and solve crimes if criminal activity is reported in the area.

Officers can also watch the video in real time during major events or ongoing police incidents.

We will have two camera locations at this time.

During a major event or crime in progress, CCTV gives police officers the option to monitor activity in real time. This helps ensure faster, more effective responses to emergencies or public safety concerns.

CCTV cameras act as a deterrent to crime. When people know public spaces are monitored, it can discourage vandalism, theft, and violent criminal activity.

Footage can also help officers identify suspects, gather evidence, and piece together what happened during an incident. This can speed up investigations and improve outcomes in court.

We use crime data to identify trends and high-crime areas — particularly violent crime.

Cameras are only located in public areas, and the camera views are restricted to prohibit the viewing into private residences, or property attached to private residences.

The VPD will maintain access to the video. It will be used for security and law enforcement purposes only, under the provisions of the British Columbia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

The video footage will be kept for four days unless a recording has been requested as part of an investigation.

The VPD may release video to the public to help identify people of interest in an investigation.