Phase two of police video surveillance project already netting success

The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) is reporting an increase in charges and resulting convictions as a result of the video surveillance project which is now heading into its second phase.

Inspector, Olsen Rodney disclosed that cameras mounted in various locations, particularly Kingstown, have led to “numerous convictions” including theft, burglary and also murder.

He was speaking on the Cop Chat programme on WEFM on the topic ‘Enhancing Public Safety With Intelligent Video Analytics Project’.

“Many people believe that the cameras are not working

We have cases that went to court using the CCTV cameras and a lot of convictions. It is not a gimmick. For the second phase we are just trying to tighten the grip a bit more,” he said.

Inspector Rodney said recently police were carrying out a narcotics investigation when suspects ran from the police. By way of camera surveillance, along with a description, they were able to apprehend a person of interest.

In the case of a Kingstown burglary at a business place, he said the cameras provided evidence which helped to build the case against the suspect.

“The camera was able to tell us he entered from the roof of the building and he was charged.”

The officer explained that phase two involves the installation of

PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom ) cameras as well the use of license recognition software.

Under this phase, cameras will be installed from Barrouallie to Belle Isle, up to the Mesopotamia Valley on the Windward side, and also in Union Island and Bequia in the Grenadines.

Officer Rodney sent a warning to criminals saying, “We notice that persons are trying to get away from the cameras to commit these offenses. Some of these ‘get-away’ areas- we will get you, it is just a matter of time.”

Also, under phase two officers will undergo training for image analysis.

“Our hope is that at the end of the day, we will be using less manpower and more cameras.”

Responding to criticisms that the RSVGPF are stalling on putting into use recently donated body camera equipment from Taiwan, Inspector Rodney said the equipment was only officially received late last year and officers will have to be trained to use it.

“It is a process. Although they would have launched the body cams last year, it is a process where you have to get them from Taiwan in December [2024]. Right now we are implementing phase two, so that will be a part of Phase Two.”

He said the departments assigned to use the cameras will be a decision made by the Commissioner of the Police, but he believes the equipment will be assigned to those officers who most frequently interact with members of the public such as the Traffic Department and the Rapid Response Unit (RRU).