Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest said that the implementation of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras throughout The Bahamas will not, in isolation, reduce the crime rate, adding that other factors will play critical roles in the project’s success.
The project, with a contract valued at $4.6 million, was one Turnquest said all Bahamians should be proud of.
The contract for the first phase of the CCTV project was signed by a group of firms headed by Bahamian company Lowe’s Security Limited and its U.S.-based partner Avrio RMS Group, as well as Security Centers International Limited, which is based in the Cayman Islands.
“Research has shown that the mere placement of CCTV cameras does not automatically guarantee a reduction in crime, as many factors have to be considered,” said Turnquest. “For example, we are ensuring that the cameras are effectively monitored and that the police have the capacity to respond rapidly and appropriately to incidents reported by the cameras.
According to the minister, 243 cameras will be strategically deployed throughout New Providence, with hopes of bring the project to Grand Bahama and the other Family Islands.
The government will also work with the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) to provide the Wi-Fi network for the cameras, at a cost of $600,000.
An agreement will also be signed with the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) and will cover the use of its infrastructure for the mounting of the cameras and ancillary equipment, and for the provision of power.
The installation of the cameras will begin on May 1, with a target completion date before the end of September.
