Council & Police Boards

Push back on ALPRs through the bodies that actually decide in Canada — your municipal council and your police services board.

Your Voice Matters Locally

Local officials rely on hearing from residents. Here's how to push back on mass surveillance with the people who actually make these decisions.

Who Actually Decides in Canada

It's often the police services board, not just council

In most Canadian cities, a municipal police service is overseen by a civilian police services board (in Ontario, recently renamed a "police service board"). ALPR programs are frequently approved at the board level — and forces often acquire the technology by "piggybacking" on an existing provincial contract rather than running a public tender, which can mean very little public debate.^[1]

That gives you two places to be heard: your city council (which approves budgets and responds to public pressure) and your police services board (which sets policy and oversees procurement). Find out which body is considering ALPRs in your community, and target both.

Talking Points

Common questions, arguments & responses for discussing surveillance

Meet Members Privately

Personal conversations are often the most effective approach

Reach out to your councillors and police services board members directly. A short, personal conversation helps them understand the human impact of surveillance before a vote.

How to Schedule

Contact their office by phone or email

Suggest a coffee, a call, or their office

Ask for just 15–20 minutes

Mention you're a constituent concerned about ALPRs

Meeting Tips

Bring a brief printed summary of key points

Share local concerns about privacy and community impact

Ask their position and listen to their concerns

Follow up with answers to anything they raise

Sample Email Template

Hello [Councillor / Board Member], I'm a [city] resident concerned about a proposed automatic licence plate reader (ALPR) program. Would you have 15 minutes to discuss it? I'd like to share some community concerns and hear your thoughts before it comes to a vote.

Speak at a Meeting

Most councils and police boards let residents speak as a delegation (sometimes called a deputation) for a few minutes. It puts your opposition on the public record and shows officials that people are watching the vote.

Before the Meeting

Check the council/board agenda online

Prepare a tight 2–3 minute statement

Bring printed copies for the clerk

During the Meeting

Arrive early

State your name and connection to the community

Lead with a clear local point

Stay respectful and thank them for their time

Pro Tip: Focus on how ALPRs affect your community specifically — retention, data-sharing across the border, and the lack of oversight. Local, concrete points land harder than abstract arguments.

Arm Yourself with the Records

Freedom-of-information requests reveal what's really being approved

Before a vote, file an access-to-information request for the vendor contract, the Privacy Impact Assessment, and the data retention and sharing policies — including anything allowing cross-border (U.S.) access. These documents often make the strongest case.

How to Request Public Records

Questions or Want to Help?

Get in touch, and if you spot an ALPR, add it to the map so your community can see it.