Police records digitization by autistic workers creates jobs in Ottawa

Technology North has finished digitizing more than 160 microfilm reels of Ottawa Police Service historical records, covering hundreds of thousands of images, the police service says. The work was done by the firm's autism employment program, with tasks including scanning, verifying and quality-checking images, and optical character recognition to make the records searchable.

Neither the police service nor Technology North has disclosed the contract value or payment terms. The Ottawa work's cost to taxpayers is not stated in the material from either partner.

Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs said the partnership "has helped us successfully complete an important records modernization project while supporting an organization that is creating meaningful employment opportunities in our community." Stubbs also said the quality of the work "demonstrates the value of looking beyond traditional approaches and recognizing the skills and contributions that different people bring to the workplace."

Technology North CEO Ling Huang said the Ottawa work is an important step in establishing the firm's presence in the capital. "Our mission is to demonstrate that neurodivergent individuals can make valuable contributions when given the right opportunities, tools and support," Huang said.

The firm's last police contract was in Edmonton, where it redacted body-worn camera footage. That began as a trial from July to October 2024 and was then made permanent. Edmonton's work is paid from the police service's existing operational budget through an as-needed contract covering four autistic employees and their coach.