High tech cameras to be rolled out in the City

GOOD news as crime fighting CCTV technology will be installed at critical locations throughout the City soon, including uMhlanga and Durban North.

According to Vumacam CEO Ricky Croock, the project, in collaboration with the eThekwini Municipality, Disaster Management Centre, SAPS and the Metro Police will see 115 poles going live during the first phase.

“We hope to bring eThekwini the benefits that Gauteng communities have enjoyed, knowing that the support we offer to the police, security companies and private citizens, ensures safer cities for everyone. The more we expand the network, the larger the exponential impact on crime and the more support we can provide through collaboratively tackling crime over vast areas,” said Croock.

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The camera feeds provide support to SAPS and private security control rooms by:
· Alerting them to crimes in progress or potential crime situations to monitor and investigate
· Using CCTV footage for formal investigations into criminal acts by safely storing incident footage for investigative purposes.
· Providing situational awareness to better inform and protect on the ground response teams
· Reducing response times through accurate deployment of resources
· Collaboration and sharing of criminal activity to ensure enhanced apprehensions

“CCTV feeds will be monitored in the eThekwini Disaster Management State-of-the-art Fusion Centre which brings the public and private sector together. private security companies who apply and complete a vetting process, will have access to the camera feeds building a comprehensive security network,” he said.

Haden Searles, chairman of the Durban North/Umhlanga CPF welcomed the installation of the new cameras throughout the City, saying that the technology has had success in Johannesburg and other cities where it has already been rolled out.

“These cameras are smart and analytical. I think this is a great idea as I know it is working in reducing crime in other cities. My only concern is that there wasn’t much community involvement before the decision was taken to have them installed,” he said.

“There should have an open discussion with all relevant bodies and the community. The community needs more information on these cameras and to be assured that this isn’t an invasion of their privacy,” said Searles.