100 more CCTV cameras in Colombo

17 January 2012 06:26 pm

The Police Department is to install a 100 more closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in Colombo to enhance surveillance, prevent crimes and detect persons who violate traffic laws.

108 closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras worth Rs.350 million were installed in 2010 in 28 locations and it is monitored by a special unit from the Mounted Police Division building situated in Olcott Mawatha. 
The CCTV cameras will be modernised to the level where they can identify individuals (Automated facial recognition) and to identify vehicle numbers (Automated number plate recognition).  

The unit is conducting round the clock observation through the cameras to combat crime and to carry out surveillance and collect information. In 2010 these cameras were installed at the Thunmulla Junction, Lipton Circus, at flyovers, high security zones and in Maradana.

“We can monitor crimes that take place within the city, persons who violate traffic laws and those who try to escape from police custody. It would be also used to identify criminals who avoid arrest after committing crimes,” police spokesman Ajith Rohana said.

Police hope that the installation of more CCTV cameras will make a considerable impact in reducing crimes in public places such as railway stations, bus stops, junctions and places in and around public institutions.

CCTV camera systems are used around the world to aid police investigations. Crimes such as bank robberies have been solved using this camera system. The use of CCTV cameras is not only for crime prevention, but also for crime detection and prosecution. (Supun Dias)