Ottawa Police Service and Technology North partner to modernize records and support inclusive employment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, November 5, 2026 5:05 p.m. 

Ottawa — The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is highlighting the successful completion of a microfilm digitization project with Technology North, a partnership that has helped modernize historical police records while supporting meaningful employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals in Ottawa.  

Through the partnership, Technology North digitized a portion of OPS's historical microfilm collection, converting records into digital formats that support long-term preservation and modernized information management.  

The completed project involved processing more than 160 microfilm reels containing hundreds of thousands of images. The work included scanning, verifying and quality-checking images, as well as applying optical character recognition (OCR) technology to help make digitized records more accessible and manageable.  

Technology North delivers these services through its autism employment program, supported by its proprietary RoboCoach assistive technology. The program creates employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum, providing the tools and support needed to contribute their skills to specialized information management projects.  

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

The collaboration also coincided with Technology North establishing operations in Ottawa, building on the company's experience delivering specialized technology and information management services in Edmonton.  

Technology North previously partnered with the Edmonton Police Service on a project involving the redaction of body-worn camera footage by neurodivergent employees. That initiative has since become an ongoing program and received national recognition for its contribution to equity, diversity and inclusion in policing.  

“Working with the Ottawa Police Service has been an important opportunity for us as we establish our presence in the nation's capital,” said Ling Huang, CEO of Technology North. “Our mission is to demonstrate that neurodivergent individuals can make valuable contributions when given the right opportunities, tools and support. This partnership shows how organizations can address real operational needs while helping build a more inclusive workforce.”  

With the project now complete, OPS has successfully digitized a significant portion of its historical microfilm collection, marking another step forward in modernizing its records management practices.  

The Ottawa Police Service appreciates Technology North's contributions to the project and the opportunity to support the growth of an inclusive workforce in the Ottawa community.