Downtown Prince George’s security camera pilot project will be live this week, with 10 cameras installed at key locations throughout the downtown. The pilot is intended to support public safety, assist RCMP, and contribute to a more welcoming environment for residents, workers, and visitors.
The cameras have been placed in high-activity areas identified through crime statistics and internal reports from Downtown Prince George members. Each location was chosen to support incident documentation and, when requested, assist RCMP investigations. The system is monitored 24/7 by trained personnel and supported by AI technology designed to detect indicators of safety threats. These tools help identify potential incidents quickly and support the goal of enabling real-time reporting and timely response when needed.
To ensure the system would be truly useful from an investigative standpoint, Downtown Prince George worked closely with the Prince George RCMP to confirm that the selected cameras meet the technical standards required for police use. This collaboration guided decisions around image quality, resolution, low-light performance, and placement. As a result, the system is designed to capture evidence-grade footage that can support investigations and, when applicable, assist in laying charges.
“This pilot project comes at a time when downtown businesses are facing significant and ongoing challenges related to crime, vandalism, and safety,” said Chrisie Berry, Executive Director of Downtown Prince George. “We hear from business owners every day about the impact these issues have on their operations, their staff, and their customers. While monitored security cameras are not a standalone solution, this real-time monitoring and reporting system is expected to help increase response times, assist in making arrests, deter further criminal activity, and provide a clearer picture of what’s happening on our streets.”
The total cost of the pilot project is $45,000. Funding includes $40,000 from the City of Prince George and a $5,000 contribution from Iren. These contributions support the initial installation, the launch of the pilot program, and monitoring costs for 12 months.
“We hope the City of Prince George will continue to support this program so that, in the coming years, we can expand it further adding more cameras, covering additional areas, and providing our businesses and community members with a safer and more welcoming downtown,” said Berry.
