Upgraded CCTV system to come online this summer
A revamped CCTV security network has cost $1.5 million to install, with a further $3 million in maintenance fees expected to be spent over the next five years.
Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, revealed the figures in the House of Assembly today.
He said that the network would be operational by July and consisted of four different types of camera — 19 licence-plate-recognition cameras, 103 pan-tilt-zoom cameras, 74 multisensory cameras, and 62 varifocal cameras — 258 cameras in total.
The equipment and its installation cost $1,499,151, including $463,651 for the installation of a new fibre network that was not budgeted for.
The Government will also pay out $3,011,940 over the next five years — $602,388 annually — for a managed maintenance services plan.
Mr Weeks said: “The ministry’s CCTV implementation team has made every effort to minimise costs by collaborating with the Corporation of Hamilton, the Ministry of Public Works’ Works and Engineering Unit, and Belco to utilise existing power sources. While some cost-saving measures were successful, others proved unfeasible.
“One of the key enhancements to the CCTV network is its deployment on a new fibre network. This modernisation required civil road and electrical works that were not included in the original Request for Proposal since vendors could not accurately quantify these costs in advance.
“As a result, the current cost for all civil and electrical works associated with the project stands at $463,651.”
Mr Weeks said that the 204 cameras currently online, along with real-time monitoring has significantly enhanced the ability of police to assess incidents as they unfolded and improve response times.
He said that initial testing of the 19 licence-plate-recognition cameras had begun.
“Based on initial research and testing, additional LPR cameras and site locations will be required to optimise the speed camera initiative,” he added.
Mr Weeks said that a cross-ministry group was working on legislative amendments needed to implement a ticketing system for speed cameras.
He said: “This will be the final step in the implementation of a system that we are confident will improve the safety on our roads.”
Responding to questions from Jarion Richardson, the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Weeks said that there were various reasons why the project completion date was repeatedly put back. When unveiled in July 2023, it was expected to be up and running by the end of that year.
“It’s like building a house — it was nothing untoward,” he said.
Asked by Mr Richardson what legislation was needed to enable speed camera tickets to become legal, Mr Weeks replied: “It’s just a matter of tweaking it.”
He said legislative amendments would be brought to the House “as soon as possible” once installation was complete.
Addressing resident concerns about “spy cameras”, Mr Weeks said: ”It is important to note that the upgraded CCTV system has been designed with privacy protection in mind.
“The system aligns with both current privacy regulations and future requirements, ensuring that privacy concerns are adequately addressed. The Request for Proposal specifically required vendors to incorporate privacy safeguards in both the camera features and the video management system.
“Residents have expressed a greater sense of security knowing that CCTV coverage has been enhanced. This increased confidence has encouraged more community engagement, with citizens more willing to report suspicious activity to the BPS.
“We have even received requests from community clubs and neighbourhoods to further expand CCTV coverage.”
Mr Weeks said that the ministry and police had been in discussions with the Privacy Commissioner’s Office to examine CCTV privacy matters. He said a public meeting on the issue was planned.
• To read the minister’s statement in full, see Related Media
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