The Operations and Intelligence Command Centre (OICC) became fully operational in January 2020. The OICC provides front-line members and investigators with real time, accurate, and actionable intelligence, which enhances public and officer safety. This ensures police resources are used as efficiently as possible.
Simply, the OICC is the 24/7 central point for all EPS intelligence to accelerate criminal investigations through timely identification of suspects and their likely locations to prevent additional crime and victimization.
Where do we get the data from?
The information we use for public and officer safety is all information police officers already have access to, just in a more efficient location and procedure.
- Police records/ databases
- CCTV cameras
- Traffic cameras
- Maps
- Open source social media
Where is the public oversight for the OICC data collection?
The Edmonton Police Commission is our public oversight. Our processes follow the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
CCTV Pilot Project
On June 30, 2020, the EPS announced a 6-month pilot project utilizing closed-circuit television (CCTV).
As of July 2, 2020, citizens will see new cameras installed throughout the City with marked EPS signage. The project will utilize CCTV in several locations across the city that have been identified as large gathering sites or locations where crime has frequently occurred. The cameras will not be deployed within residential neighborhoods and are owned and operated solely by the EPS.
EPS signage that will be displayed
Why are we using CCTV?
CCTV can be a very valuable tool when it comes to identifying suspects in a crime, protecting your property or business, and ensuring public safety.
Major cities across the world utilize this kind of technology to respond to major events and situations in real-time, making their policing strategies and investigations more effective and improve public and officer safety.
It’s imperative for law enforcement to stay innovative and on top of emerging technologies as crime continues to occur. For example, in the last few years, between 2017 and 2019, theft over $5,000 has risen 59 per cent, theft from vehicles has risen 15 per cent and assault has risen almost 8 per cent.
Who accesses the footage?
The CCTV cameras only capture information relevant to law enforcement investigations and video is only available to officers for a 24-hour period. Therefore, unless the video is pulled for a specific investigation within that time frame, it will be securely deleted.
The CCTV cameras will only be accessible by staff within the EPS’ Operational Intelligence Command Centre (OICC) during major events or for requests made by police officers investigating a crime in an area that is monitored by CCTV.
Where are the cameras located?
- 104 Street & 104 Avenue
- 117 Avenue & 89 Street
- 100 Street & 102 Avenue
- 67 Street & 137 Avenue
- 114 Avenue & Groat Road
- 29 Avenue & 66 Street
- 83 Street & 88 Avenue
- 104 Street & 83 Avenue
- 157 Street & Stony Plain Road
*Please note, these cameras may be redeployed throughout the course of this pilot project.
Note: A Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) was submitted to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta in 2019 to outline the pilot project and ensure all privacy considerations are addressed through legislation.