Commish foresees challenge for law mandating private CCTV installation to aid cops
Published:Friday | May 24, 2024 | 12:08 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake says he does not foresee Government preparing legislation any time soon that will mandate business owners to install cameras at their establishments to aid the police in their crime-fighting.
Given that hurdle, Blake, who also has a master’s degree in computer-based management and information systems, on Wednesday told members of the Jamaica Police Federation (JPF) to intensify discussions around the importance of closed circuit television (CCTV) with members of the business community islandwide, as part of enhancing the use of technology in crime-fighting.
“We may have a challenge convincing the lawmakers to make it into law,” Blake said, responding to questions from delegates, during the 81st annual joint central conference of the JPF in St James.
“I am usually an optimistic person, but I am not very optimistic in seeing legislation forthcoming now that is going to mandate businesses to install cameras,” the police commissioner argued.
Discussions with business community
He shared that he has been having discussions with members of the business community, showing them the value of having the CCTV system, through area commanders.
“It’s a negotiation where we can start the discussion around it, but we cannot rely on the implementation of such an act (policy) in order to do what we have to do,” Blake said.
With the installation of CCTVs by the business community, the Government, under its JamaicaEye programme, is hoping to benefit by having cameras pointing to the roadways which the police would use to help in their crime-prevention, crime-fighting techniques.
In March, National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang told a standing finance committee of Parliament that his ministry is looking at expanding its CCTV surveillance.
JamaicaEye falls under the Plan Secure Jamaica, and is geared towards creating a safe, secure, cohesive and just society, thereby providing an environment for increased and sustained growth and prosperity.
For members of the business and residential communities to participate in the JamaicaEye Programme, they should have camera network systems that are located on the outside of their homes or businesses, should be facing a public space and should be able to connect to the internet.