Taken directly from the website of the Royal Ulster Constabulary is proof positive that big brother is everywhere in the city of Belfast. Oddly, some American cities have implemented similiar cameras to get traffic violators.

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) in Belfast is being substantially expanded thanks to a unique partnership agreement between the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Laganside business community.

Nine new cameras have been installed at a cost of £180,000. Three new colour, pan tilt and zoom cameras will be switched on in the Cathedral Quarter area with the support of the Laganside Corporation. A further six cameras will film in Lanyon Place with the support of the Lanyon Place Management Company involving the Laganside Corporation, Waterfront Hall, BT, property developer Ewart plc and the Belfast Hilton. The new cameras are linked, along with the scheme's 16 original ones, to a control room at Musgrave Street RUC station. Specially trained police officers monitor screens 24 hours a day and are able to alert mobile or foot patrols by radio and direct them to incidents which are caught on camera.

At a news conference in Belfast this morning (June 10, 1998), Laganside Corporation chief executive, Mr Mike Smith, said: "The installation of CCTV has already contributed greatly to increased security throughout the city centre, and we are delighted that today's announcement brings the Lanyon Place area back within the broader city centre, which once again includes the river."

"Looking around, few would disagree that Lanyon Place is a safe and attractive area, where people will want to work, live and enjoy the leisure facilities."

Musgrave Street Sub-Divisional Commander, Superintendent Frank Savage, said: "Statistics prove that CCTV is an effective tool in the fight against crime but it is also an expensive one. We welcome this substantial financial commitment by the consortium. We believe it will build on the initial success of the scheme and continue to improve community safety."

"Everyone benefits from CCTV, except the criminal. Its aim has been to provide a secure and safe environment so that people may enjoy the facilites of the area without fear of crime, public disorder or other anti-social behaviour."

CURRENTLY, CAMERAS HAVE BEEN DISABLED FROM THE INTERNET

Camera 1 Junction of Victoria and Chichester Streets.
Camera 2 Grosvenor Road.
Camera 3 Junction of Great Victoria and Howard Streets.
Camera 4 Shaftesbury Square

CLICK HERE FOR BELFAST CAMERA MAP

The most up-to-date figures on the performance of the scheme prove that it's working. From December 1995 until April this year, CCTV led to 887 arrests (one for every day the project has been in operation) and 591 detections of recordable crime. In addition, a total of 1,373 minor offences were dealt with by way of advice or caution. There have been no complaints about the system.

Supt Savage continued: "I can assure the community that cameras will not be replacing police officers on the beat. RUC patrols remain a priority. But the additional cameras, which come into operation today, will enable us to make the most efficient use of police resources."

The new cameras are located at: Queen's Bridge/Oxford St, Oxford St/Chichester St, Oxford St/Lanyon Place, Laganbank Rd, East Bridge St, Albert Bridge, Dunbar Link/Talbot St, Royal Ave/Donegall St, Rosemary St/Lombard St. In addition, it is planned to re-locate one of the original 16 cameras from Oxford St to Castle St/King St.

Special thanks to Fenian Banshee for her inspiration.

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page