Two Tech Initiatives Launched To Help Keep Surrey Safe

The Surrey RCMP and the City of Surrey are pleased to announce the launch of two new technology initiatives, under the City’s new Public Safety Strategy.

 

These initiatives will allow residents and businesses to become more engaged and play a larger role in keeping Surrey safe.

 

The new Surrey RCMP App is a convenient, one-stop-shop for mobile device users to access information and resources on emerging crime trends, Surrey RCMP events, crime mapping, crime prevention and contact information. Users will also be able to view missing persons, most wanted persons, and photos of unidentified suspects right from their phones to assist police and the community.

 

Project IRIS (Integrated Resources for Investigation and Safety) is a voluntary program that allows residents and businesses to register the location of their closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in a secure, online database. 

 

 

IRIS will help police to gather evidence more efficiently by reducing the time needed to track down security cameras after an incident. Project IRIS allows the public to proactively contribute to public safety. The footage recorded on a business or resident’s camera may be the missing piece that helps police to solve a crime committed in the community.

 

 

As technology continues to evolve and shape the way we access information, it is important that we adapt the way we communicate with the community, says Chief Superintendent Dwayne McDonald, Surrey RCMP Officer in Charge. These initiatives will leverage existing community resources, expedite evidence gathering, and help connect the public and the police in more mobile friendly ways.

 

Using technology to help inform and connect citizens about public safety programs, services, and initiatives is a key component of our new Public Safety Strategy, says Mayor Linda Hepner. Together with our Surrey RCMP partners, we are committed to supporting innovative tools and solutions that provide ease of access to data and encourages reporting and information sharing.

 

The Surrey RCMP App is compatible with Apple and Android operating systems and is now available to download for free from the iTunes App Store and Google Play. The app is also part of the My Surrey App, which provides Surrey residents with mobile access to a variety of City services and City apps.

 

Businesses and residents can now sign up online to register their CCTV camera locations as part of Project IRIS at www.surrey.ca/iris.

 

Registration is completely voluntary and participants can withdraw at any time. The registry only records the location of cameras; no video footage is collected and the information in the database is secure and can only be accessed by authorised City staff.

 

Registration does not give the Surrey RCMP or the City access to cameras or its recordings, but helps to find camera owners in the event of an incident in the area. If contacted, the camera owner can choose whether or not to share their recordings.

 

The program was reviewed by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner and the City is committed to protecting the privacy of those registering on the database in accordance with applicable privacy legislation.