Are CCTV cameras reducing crime?

After an outcry for more than six years for the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) camera systems; late last year the community welcomed the eye in the sky. The announcement meant that both business people and community members would be ensured safety and security once again, after the previous camera systems failed.

Having these cameras installed was the late Councillor Dawood Vahed’s wish, and he was among other councillors who made a trip to Newcastle to have the system reviewed before the investment was made.  At one of the many meetings held during the planning phase of the camera systems, Brigadier Johan Reynders from SAPS thanked the municipality for putting the community’s safety first; and praised the positive step taken.

The cameras were given the go-ahead, those present at the planning meeting agreed that surveillance cameras would be useful in identifying crime as it unfolds and reviewing crime scenes when evidence is needed. About a year and few months later, locals are left scratching their heads, rethinking the above.

With recent robberies and other sorts of crime on the rise in our town, many people are questioning whether the cameras are serving its purpose.

“With the installation of cameras in the Central Business District, both crime and traffic can be monitored and controlled,” said Reverend Nduli the Chairperson of the Community Police Forum (CPF) when he compiled ten tips to a crime free town.

Brigadier Reynders said: “These cameras will be of no use if they are not managed effectively.”

It was the former Municipal Manager Nonhlanhla Njoko who positively said that the initiative would indeed be fruitful to the community.  Thus far, has the community seen any positive progress?

Some of the questions raised by locals were: “What are personnel doing if they do not notice criminal activity taking place?”
As well as: “Why do we have to pay to view footage when our rates payments made it possible to install them?”

Both the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the CPF said in unison that the cameras are not serving its purpose.

“Have personnel at the control room been trained accordingly? “It is a big concern, I am not happy with the current situation regarding the system, it’s not sufficient.  “We will continue our communications with the municipality,” commented the Chairman Reverend Nduli.

The CPF has suggested that a police officer be among the personnel for rapid response.

“With these state-of-the-art cameras we have, there should be a zero percent crime rate within our town. “We need the support of the municipality, as the CPF; it is always a hassle to obtain footage to assist cases filed with the police,” added the CPF Deputy Chairman David Allen.
Speaking about the CCTV cameras relevance to identify and reduce crime, police spokesperson Captain Charmaine Struwig said: “CCTV footage is one of the tools police use in investigating cases, irrespective of where it originates from. We have recent cases where CCTV footage does form part of the evidence gathered.”

Umtshezi’s Acting Municipal Manager Elphas Dladla said that due to the security risks attached to the subject of CCTV cameras, he was unable to give broader details.

“The cameras are working however, not all areas are covered and focused on.  “We confirm that video footage could be retrieved and reviewed,” added Mr Dladla.