In Toronto, it's called "carding." In Windsor, police conduct "street checks."

Whatever the name, they are very similar in nature; stopping, questioning and collecting information on people without arresting them.

The issue of carding in Toronto has been a controversial topic. A number of people in several Toronto communities say the practice is a form of racial profiling and have called for the end of carding.

The Toronto Police Service calls carding "an incredibly effective tool."

The Globe and Mail reports the Windsor Police Service conducted 953 street checks in 2014. CBC Windsor has confirmed that number with Windsor Police. Officials also said the information acquired through street checks are kept on file for five years inclusive. Residents do have the right to refuse to give information. Police say the legalities are available on their website.

In Windsor, police Chief Al Frederick told CBC Windsor Morning on Monday that his officers do not conduct street checks based on race.

"When we engage in a street check, we're doing it based on circumstances – suspicious circumstances, that sort of thing – and on the person themselves, not based on any type of race," he said. "It's mostly about the activity and the circumstances surrounding the stop and recording that information."

Frederick said the issue of carding was discussed at the 110th Annual Conference of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police held in Quebec City last week. Frederick said there is a wide variety of policies and practices across the country.

While the chief said there is a "a level of concern" about street checks in Windsor, he believes that, in general, the community supports street checks.

"I think there's a level of concern in every community in Canada amongst certain people that may be subject to these types of interactions with police. But I also think overall the public sees the value in their police service interacting with their community. That's a healthy interaction. That's something we've been doing for decades and decades.

Not conducting street checks would be like officers "not rolling down their windows and speaking to our community," Frederick said.