Police set to use CCTV after inking deal with commission

The National Main Stories

MORE than 10 months after a K42 million Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security system was installed for the Asia Pacific Economic Corporation (Apec) leaders’ summit last year, police are set to use it for monitoring crime.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on Friday between the police and the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) for the police to monitor the security cameras from Oakley Haus.
Some 200 CCTV cameras, installed from airport, over Kumul Flyover, Sir John Guise Drive, Waigani Drive, International Convention Centre, Wards Drive to Hilton Hotel in Hohola, Poreporena Freeway to Downtown Port Moresby and Apec House, had remained unused after Apec.
Acting Police Comm David Manning said the MoU formalised a police-NCDC partnership to jointly fight crime with the use of the CCTVs and other expanded resources. “The rising number of petty crimes and illegal vendors in the city, especially at bus stops, shopping centres and markets is a high public concern today,” Manning said. “Police will now monitor the cameras from Owkley Haus and have our response units to act swiftly against the criminals.” Manning said there were also plans to install CCTVs in public places such as schools, bus stops and shopping areas but not at residential areas because of privacy issues. “Policemen trained on the use of CCTVs by experts to monitor Apec security will be working on the surveillance system.”
he added.
NCDC city manager Bernard Kipit said issues in the city could be handled and resolved when “all resources available are well and fully used”.
“The Erima incident two weeks ago was sparked by a small incident that turned into a major security concern. We have to really look into using our resources to enhance security monitoring and crime prevention,” he added.
CCTV cameras capture real-time images for the police to react swiftly to crime and other emergencies in the city.
“We have worked in partnership with the police since 2013 on various matters. And we will continue to work together and cooperate to address law and order problems in the city.