WA allocates $8.5m for CCTV deployments

The WA government has allocated $8.5 million for funding closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the state to improve security in crime hotspots.

The city of Albany has been awarded a share of the funding to install 18 extra cameras in high-crime areas not covered by the city’s existing CCTV network.

A grant has been awarded to help enhance the effectiveness of the network, although the exact figure is still subject to contract negotiations.

WA Deputy Premier and Police Minister Liza Harvey said there has been significant work completed on Albany’s CCTV network in the past 12 months, and the grant would help extend this.

“CCTV is an effective tool which not only helps police react quickly to crime and antisocial incidents, but can help deter, prevent and solve crime,” she said.

She said a more integrated network could significantly help efforts to prevent and prosecute crime.

“This will work on several levels — police can assess emergency situations almost immediately, and if necessary use the vision as evidence in the prosecution of offenders,” she said.

“The Liberal National Government is dedicated to making communities safer through tough laws and providing police with the resources they need to combat crime and antisocial behaviour.”

Image courtesy of Mike Fleming under CC