A new CCTV camera system should be fully installed across the island by the end of the year, the Minister of National Security said yesterday.

Michael Weeks said that the 247 new cameras will help to crack down on “the scourge of violence” in Bermuda.

He said: “The system will provide an extensive and vigilant network to assist the police in their investigations and deter criminal activity.

“By leveraging advanced technology and a collaborative approach, we are taking a proactive stance in addressing the root causes of community violence.”

Mr Weeks was speaking during the announcement of the next stage of the National Strategic Plan for tackling community violence and antisocial behaviour.

He said that CCTV cameras had been installed in Hamilton and in much of the central parishes.

Mr Weeks added that while the installation of the system was not part of the National Strategic Plan, it would assist police in tackling crime.

The minister said that the next stage of the National Strategic Plan would focus on “prevention, intervention and integration” to limit violent activity.

He said that 20 new officers had joined the police force to help with this, with five of them geared towards parish policing, while the rest specialised in serious crime investigations.

Mr Weeks added that he took part in various talks and seminars to understand the root causes of violence.

He said that he hosted a two-day conference in September last year that included charities, sports clubs, clergy and community activists to help to reduce violence.

Mr Weeks added that he attended the graduation ceremony of the Department of Corrections’ Life Minus Violence Programme in December, which helped inmates who were struggling with chronic aggression.

Mr Weeks stressed that the updated National Security Plan would also crack down on domestic violence, bullying and other forms of violent crime.

He said: “We can agree that gang violence is a symptom of deeper social ills in our community.

“The plan will seek to identify those ills and the resources needed to combat them.”

The National Strategic Plan is in its final stages of drafting and is expected to be put into play early next year.