{
  "id": 1331837,
  "title": "Montreal police confirm use of licence-plate camera in targeted investigation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/montreal-police-confirm-use-of-licence-plate-camera-in-targeted-1331837",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-16T19:21:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Global News",
    "slug": "global-news",
    "url": "https://globalnews.ca/news/12023483/montreal-police-cloudrunner-licence-plate-camera-investigation/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Montreal police have confirmed the use of a Cloudrunner automated licence-plate recognition camera in a targeted investigation. The technology records licence plates and vehicle details as they pass the camera, allowing investigators to examine the data later. According to Montreal police spokesperson Marc-Antoine Bélanger, one camera was removed to safeguard investigative strategies, and additional cameras may be deployed based on investigative needs. Bélanger did not disclose the camera's location, citing the need to protect police investigative techniques. Access to images captured by the camera is restricted to investigators working on the case. Bélanger stated that the Cloudrunner camera is obtained through a rental agreement and is intended for temporary use in targeted investigations, separate from Montreal police's network of 46 urban security cameras, which have been in place for years.",
  "summary": "The technology can automatically record licence plates and vehicle characteristics as cars pass the camera, allowing investigators to search the information later.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Montreal police confirm use of licence-plate camera in targeted investigation",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/montreal-police-confirm-use-of-licence-plate-camera-in-targeted",
        "published": "2026-08-16T15:35:50.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Global News",
        "title": "Montreal police confirm use of licence-plate camera in targeted investigation",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/montreal-police-confirm-use-of-licence-plate-camera-in-targeted-1333875",
        "published": "2026-08-16T19:21:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}