WHITEFISH RIVER FIRST NATION—Effective May 30, stationary automated licence plate readers (ALPR) are now operational at the intersection of Highway 6 and Beedahban Miikun in Whitefish River First Nation (WRFN).
The United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Anishnaabe Police Service (UCCM APS) explained in a release that these ALPR units scan and identify licence plates of interest moving in and out of Manitoulin district. Each camera captures both infrared and coloured images and can process up to two licence plates per second.
Designated officers of the UCCM APS are authorized to input and monitor licence plates associated with serious investigations, including missing persons cases, homicides and serious assault, amber alerts, human trafficking, drug trafficking and organized crime.
“It is important to clarify that this system is not to be primarily used to detect speeding violations or other offences under the Highway Traffic Act,” the UCCM APS release states.
“The ALPR system serves as a powerful investigative tool, alerting law enforcement when a plate of interest is detected. Plates that are not flagged will be automatically purged from the system after seven days, ensuring adherence to privacy protocols.”
This initiative enhances public safety and supports criminal investigations not only for UCCM APS but also for partner law enforcement agencies across Canada. The system was implemented following extensive consultation with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario to ensure compliance with privacy legislation.
Signage has been installed at entry points to Whitefish River First Nation to notify the public of the ALPR system.
