Project Integrated Resources for Investigations & Safety (IRIS) is being relaunched as Surrey Police Service (SPS) assumes ownership of the CCTV camera registry program from the City of Surrey, which originally launched the initiative in 2016. 

Surrey residents and business owners can play an important role in supporting community safety by registering their external security cameras with Project IRIS. 

Project IRIS  is a confidential database that identifies the location of external security cameras voluntarily registered by residents and businesses. This database helps police investigate criminal activities and other police incidents more quickly and efficiently.

When an incident occurs, officers can search the database to understand what cameras may be in the area, rather than going door to door to canvass for video. SPS officers will then contact the camera owners directly to request specific video recordings. The program is completely voluntary, and camera owners can choose whether or not to share their recordings with police. 

“Project IRIS is an effective tool for police, as video footage provides crucial evidence that helps investigations progress more quickly and efficiently,” says Staff Sergeant Lindsey Houghton, SPS Senior Media Relations Officer. “The program is easy to join, all information is confidential and secure, and participants can withdraw at any time.”

Accessing Camera Recordings

Registering a camera with Project IRIS does not give police access to live video feeds or stored footage. Police do not have direct access to cameras or recordings. SPS officers must still obtain permission from the camera owner before accessing any video files. Project IRIS simply identifies where cameras are located so police know who may have relevant footage to assist an investigation.

How You Can Help

Following an incident, police typically canvass surrounding neighbourhoods and properties for video that may support an investigation—a process that can require significant time and resources. By registering with Project IRIS, participants help reduce the need for extensive canvassing and allow investigations to move forward more efficiently.