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The use of closed circuit television ("CCTV") monitoring systems in law enforcement remains a relatively new concept in Ontario despite its extensive use in the United Kingdom and other countries. When the Greater Sudbury Police Service started the Lion's Eye in the Sky video monitoring project in 1996, it was likely the first service in Ontario , if not Canada to use CCTV monitoring as a tool for law enforcement. In the three years that have followed the installation of the first CCTV camera, the number of cameras located in the downtown area of the City of Greater Sudbury has grown to five. As the number of cameras has increased, criminal activity in the downtown area has decreased. An independent analysis indicates at least 300, and as many as 500 robberies, assaults, thefts and other criminal offenses have been deterred by the Lion's Eye in the Sky project, saving as much as $800,000 in direct monetary losses.
While the Lion's Eye in the Sky project has proven to be a deterrent to crime, it has also improved the Service's ability to deal with crime and anti-social behaviours such as prostitution, public intoxication and panhandling. Arrests relating to prostitution and drug offenses have increased by an average of 18% per year, indicating the value of CCTV monitoring to detect criminal activity.
CCTV also provides the ability to monitor officers involved in traffic stops or other incidents has improved officer safety. Public safety has also been enhanced as the project allows the Service to locate missing children, find patients from the hospital and prevent potential suicides.
The Lion's Eye in the Sky project continues to contribute to a safe environment for the residents of Sudbury .
View the KPMG report on the Lion's Eye in the Sky KPMG Final Report
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