Albany CBD Developments

Long wait ends for CBD CCTV
PETER MORRIS
26/03/2009 10:06:00 AM
CCTV cameras designed to discourage unlawful activity and anti-social behaviour in Stirling Terrace precinct went into operation last Thursday.
Albany police welcomed the cameras, which are part of the Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry and WA Police Albany Safe CBD CCTV Project.
Acting Senior Sergeant Derek Grimes said the cameras would cover an area which has become notorious for after-dark violence on a weekend.
“The aim of the police is to make Albany CBD a safer and more comfortable place for people during the evenings,” Acting Sen Sgt Grimes said.
“The introduction of these cameras will not prevent police from going about their current programs, but will enhance the service we give the public.”
“The cameras are not there to watch people walk up and down the street, or spy on them, they are there as forensic devices, so if something does occur, we have data to look at and act upon.
“If people aren’t committing offences they clearly have nothing to worry about.”
The 13 cameras run the length of Stirling Terrace – from the corner of lower York Street to the Royal George and are part of a pilot program, which if proves successful, will see more CCTV cameras installed around the city.
They were installed last week by Powell Secutity Services.
The Albany Chamber of Commerce first proposed the idea for a CCTV surveillance system along Stirling Terrace in October 2005, after vandals damaged a number of businesses and several people were injured in brawls, but the City of Albany rejected the application.
Last year the City refused to be co-applicants alongside the police and the ACCI on a National Community Crime Prevention Strategy Program (NCCPSP), worth $300,000 in government funding towards installing a CCTV system.
One councillor has been quoted as saying the cameras were an infringement of people’s liberties.
In November 2008, the Chamber announced it would go into partnership with the police and fund the initial stage of the CCTV project with $150,000 obtained from the NCCPSP.
ACCI CEO Graham Harvey said he was delighted the first cameras were finally up and running.
“Many times the chamber has tried to get the City involved,” Mr Harvey said.
“During our last meeting, the chamber asked the City if it would assist in the implementation of the cameras by granting access to council buildings or power poles so a couple of cameras could be installed and even that was declined.
“That is why we have proceeded with stage one of the project with the total support of the police and the business community.”
Albany Mayor Milton Evans said Council would watch with interest as the CCTV started operating.
“Council is committed to developing a ‘designing out crime’ strategy,” Mr Evans said. “On Friday I will formally sign a partnership with the Office of Crime Prevention to further develop the City’s stance against criminal and anti-social activity.
“These initiatives could eventually touch on CCTV, so we will take a close interest in the outcomes of the program now in place.”
The main server of the state-of-the-art surveillance system is housed at Albany Police Station and will record 24 hours a day.
http://albany.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/long-wait-ends-for-cbd-cctv/1470533.aspx