Based on reports in the news, the Education Ministry plans
to erect closed circuit cameras at the Half Way Tree Transport Centre
so that schools can monitor students.
However, I believe it is the Ministry Of National Security
which should have a comprehensive all-island CCTV system with access given to
other state agencies.
With impunity being a significant motivation for persons
involved in illicit activities to continue doing so, such an investment would
be well worth the cost. With the requisite legislative support we should, at
least in the short-term, see significant improvements in the police's
investigative capacity as well as the apprehension and conviction of
criminals.
While the indiscipline among our school children is of
tremendous concern, the effect of crime on our nation, I believe, is of greater
importance. With our ability to tackle our problems all at once being hampered
by a lack of financial resources, not only must be prioritize, but we must seek
to utilize more collaborative and cost saving methods in addressing the various
challenges.
Also, take for example the plan to use drones in the fight
against praedial larceny. With recent revelations that praedial larceny is now
linked to organized crime, one can readily recognize the need for the National
Security Ministry to be the owners of all evidence gathered, then granting
other state agencies access as required.
For several decades now, other jurisdictions have been
utilizing CCTV footage to hold violators of their road traffic laws
accountable. Not only will motorists do the right thing as they know that they
are constantly being monitored but police personnel can be utilized more efficiently.
Until, and even when the JUTC is able to fit tracking
devices to all their units, such a system would assist them to monitor their
buses, especially those buses that terminate at remote locations.
For national security reasons, the highest levels of confidentiality
must be observed with a court order being required before certain
agencies/individuals are given access.
This is one area in which we need the support of Corporate
Jamaica and I am sure with that support and that of other international partners,
we should be able to establish a reliable and comprehensive all-island CCTV
system.
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