PM touts use of 'world-class' CCTV surveillance system

 

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says the Police High Command now has access to world-class technology, including high-visibility CCTV cameras, to monitor the movements of criminals. 

 

Speaking Tuesday at the commissioning of the JamaicaEye Control Centre at the Olympic Gardens Police Station, Dr. Holness disclosed that a number of volatile communities and public spaces have been placed under surveillance based on the recommendation of the Police High Command. He said the cameras meet international standards.

 

"This is not just about the number of cameras. It is about the type and quality of surveillance we are deploying. I don't want to say too much about what we have. Some things you have to just keep it. But it is important to let the criminals know, we see you, we know you, we can find you, and we will reach out and touch you," he warned, adding that the cameras have licence plate recognition. 

 

"They can scan and capture licence plates in real time. So this will allow us to detect stolen vehicles. We know that there are pockets of gangs around the area that are involved in the stolen vehicle trade. We are going to find you and we are going to break up your gang." 

 

Prime Minister Holness added that schools are among public facilities that have been placed under surveillance. 

 

"These are fixed high definition cameras and they are mounted at critical junctions. So they are focused on schools and public spaces, public buildings and they provide constant visibility. So they are not off sometime and on sometime. These are the latest cameras. And I will say a few words about that. So these have 99% uptime. They are very energy efficient and you are dealing with the best technology. And these cameras have the ability to pan, tilt and zoom. So from within the control centre, it is not just fixed at a location. The operator can tilt the camera and move it and zoom in and with artificial intelligence now, I shouldn't say all of what we have."

 

Dr. Holness said 2,500 CCTV cameras will be installed across the island over the next three years as part of the government's crime fighting strategy.