Expanded closed circuit TV to provide increased security

One of the CCTV cameras mounted in Basseterre

St. Kitts, May 06, 2010 (SKNIS): A security net will be cast over the capital, Basseterre as the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis expands its Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) initiative.

Special Advisor to the Ministry of National Security Dr. Norgen Wilson revealed that approximately 50 cameras will be mounted throughout Basseterre over the next several weeks. The CCTV monitors will essentially make it possible for a police officer to be in more than one place at the same time in order to deter and detect criminal activities.

It is estimated that the installation of the new cameras will begin in four to eight weeks.

“We have an emergency where violent crime is concerned,” he said, while reaffirming Government’s commitment to maintain law and order. “Shortly we’ll be having added eyes on the ground and better communication within the police force and security forces on a whole.”

The monitoring station for the cameras is also being outfitted with the relevant equipment. Wireless communication components will add to the effectiveness of the system.

“We will be doing some testing where police officers can now receive information directly in their (assigned) vehicle,” Dr. Wilson revealed. “… We are basically putting the stations in the vehicle so that (security personnel) can readily respond.”

Twenty CCTV cameras have already been mounted in Nevis and Deputy Commissioner of Police Stafford Liburd told SKNIS that he is pleased with the ongoing process. He noted that the TV receivers on both islands will be monitored around-the-clock by authorized personnel based at separate locations. The video footage and generated still images can be used in court as evidence to help secure convictions.

Upon completion of the cameras being mounted in Basseterre, technicians will move to do similar work in the residential/tourist area of Frigate Bay as well as in Conaree. Public feedback has suggested that citizens in large measure are largely supportive of the installation process.

Local resident Nerys feels that it will have a positive impact on reducing incidences of crime. She recalled her experiences while living in Europe for two years and noted that CCTV played an important role in deterring antisocial activities as any such acts are detected in real time. Phillip, an entrepreneur, agreed and said it was a very good idea. He explained that as a roving street vendor selling pastries, he and other law abiding citizens have nothing to fear from the cameras. “The police can’t be everywhere and they are helping to protect people!” he declared.