Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras are proving to be a valuable resource for Chatham-Kent police, but according to a recent report, more are needed.
CK Chief of Police Kirk Earley will present an information report on the benefits of CCTV cameras to council on Monday, citing that the impact of cameras on investigations has been evident in “cases involving missing and vulnerable people, property and vehicle crime, mischief, and public safety incidents.”
Earley cites several CCTV successes, including:
- Locating a vulnerable elderly man in sub-zero temperatures in Tilbury.
- Identifying vehicles and individuals tied to a major stolen vehicle operation.
- Pinpointing the location of a discarded firearm following a serious incident.
- Identifying and locating those responsible for a serious arson.
- Identifying an offender in a serious assault case.
- And identifying an unknown suspect involved in the assault of a minor in Wallaceburg.
Earley highlights in the report that “the system has proven to be an asset in advancing community policing efforts throughout the municipality.”
The CCTV system operates under a strict Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) and legal framework. Access is limited to trained and authorized personnel with clear guidelines on responsible use.
As of May 2025, the system has grown to 171 cameras at 55 locations, with Earley advising council of the need to expand the network, “into public areas such as parks, trails, and recreational spaces, where incidents involving mischief, vandalism, and public safety concerns are increasingly reported. These areas are central to community life, and ensuring they remain safe, accessible, and welcoming is a key priority.”
Erieau and Mitchell’s Bay are two tourist areas Earley recommends for the installation of CCTV cameras. Additional spaces across the municipality include: Kingston Park in Chatham and Memorial Park in Tilbury, Library Park in Wallaceburg, Thames Grove Conservation Area, and McGregor Kinsmen Park in Blenheim.
Any new CCTV cameras added to the system will need council approval. Currently $107,000 per year is allocated from the municipality’s budget to run and maintain the CCTV system. CK Police had applied for a grant back in 2024 when the CCTV cameras were first installed but were denied. In the report, Earley hopes that the data collected for this report will aid in getting grant approval in the future and expand the initiative.
