All HDB blocks, car parks to have CCTV cameras installed by 2016
AsiaOne
Thursday, May 03, 2012
SINGAPORE - The Singapore Police Force (SPF) aims to have CCTV cameras covering key entrances and exits at all 10,000 HDB blocks and multi-storey car parks in Singapore, including ground floor lift lobbies and staircase landings.
This was revealed at SPF's Police Workplan Seminar and Exhibition 2012 held today.
In his keynote address, Guest-of-Honour Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Mr Teo Chee Hean said 300 HDB blocks and multi-storey car parks will have cameras installed by the end of this month in the pilot phase.
Another 700 HDB blocks and car parks will start receiving the cameras from the fourth quarter of this year.
"While these cameras will not be monitored 'live', they can deter crime and the images that they record can assist in solving crime," Mr Teo said.
In his speech, Mr Teo also highlighted the need for the police to deepen its partnerships with the community, as they cannot "fight crime effectively on its own".
Hence, SPF will be leveraging on social media to bring its community engagement a step closer to the ground.
Firstly, the SPF will be launching its Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) Facebook pilot at Choa Chu Kang and Tampines NPC in May 2012.
Under the year-long pilot project, these NPC-level Facebook pages will serve as localised communication platforms where the content will be customised to address the local community's needs.
SPF will also be piloting "live" e-Townhall discussions on topics of concern, such as loansharking and youth crime.
The police are also considering some prototypes to leverage on technology to allow police officers to be more effective in their duties.
One notable feature under consideration is the Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) screening facility, which automates the screening of number plates for wanted or stolen vehicles.
Currently, patrol officers have to manually check and screen the vehicle licence plate numbers.
Also announced at the seminar was the introduction of the Community Policing Unit, comprising 16 officers on average to every NPC, starting with Bukit Merah East and Tampines NPC on May 17.
Six more NPCs are to follow in the last quarter of 2012. These are Bishan, Clementi, Sengkang, Woodlands, Punggol and Woodlands West NPCs.
The seminar also saw the unveiling of a new attire for traffic police officers.
The attire, said to improve work safety, consists of a new riding jacket, breeches and a long-sleeved white shirt, along with a removable spine, elbow and shoulder pads secured within the jacket.
In his speech, Mr Teo also called on the community to be more considerate, tolerant and respectful towards one another, in view of the increasing proximity of households.
"This is all part of give-and-take. Many complaints can be avoided if the community came together to foster courtesy and to mediate in disputes, before resorting to calling the authorities," he said.
He also assured the public that the Government will continue to ensure the police force remains upright and honourable by investigating and disciplining any acts of misuse of power, unethical or self-serving behaviour.
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