All 50 specialized cameras installed at key intersections across Brampton are now operational, and city officials say the devices have helped police with more than 200 investigations in their first year.

Mayor Patrick Brown announced the completion of the rollout Monday morning, saying the cameras have already proven their value as both an investigation tool and a crime prevention measure.

The city first announced its plan in March 2025 to place 360-degree cameras with licence plate recognition technology at 50 intersections, in partnership with Peel Regional Police.

‘You will be on camera’

“The initiative reflects a strong partnership with Peel Regional Police and our shared commitment to strengthen public safety, support victims, and make sure law enforcement has every tool possible to investigate crimes,” Brown said at Monday’s announcement, as Global News reported. “These intersection cameras will help provide investigators valuable digital evidence and information when serious incidents occur.”

Brown pointed to last week’s major extortion case, in which more than 100 charges were laid against 17 men — one of the largest such cases the region has seen — as he warned anyone considering criminal activity in Brampton.

“This is a message to organized crime and anyone that wants to commit a criminal activity in Brampton that you will be caught, you will be on camera, and that digital evidence will be available to Peel police to make sure that you are held accountable for your crimes,” Brown said.

Real-time alerts and privacy safeguards

Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Anthony Odoardi said the key difference between the new cameras and traditional CCTV is integration: the devices send real-time alerts to the force’s Community Safety Operations Centre when an incident occurs.

He said all data is stored on an in-house server in Canada, in line with data sovereignty practices.

“Then it is destroyed at the most immediate moment, other than those pieces of data that are used for criminal proceedings or other matters required before the courts,” Odoardi said.

The privacy question looms large for some residents. Last year, more than 8,000 people signed a petition demanding the “immediate removal” of the city’s automated speed enforcement cameras, arguing residents were “living under constant surveillance.”

Odoardi said the police service prioritizes privacy while remaining transparent with the public.

“Technology today is so important. It requires not just the implementation to be right, but also a note to ensure that the community’s privacy is respected as well,” he said. “And that we target the right people, those who commit crimes, those who drive erratically, those who put our communities at risk.”

Mixed crime picture in early 2026

Peel police crime statistics show a mixed picture in the first four months of 2026 compared with the same period last year: homicides, thefts from motor vehicles and mischief are up, while robberies, motor vehicle thefts and break-and-enters have decreased.

Brown also flagged growing concern about organized criminal activity across the region.

The camera program is part of Brampton’s Vision Zero approach, which also includes community safety zones, speed cushions, pedestrian crossovers and access signals, neighbourhood speed safety zones and crossing guard protection.