Bill Knox reports on the plan that will cover Glasgow's crime
'hotspots' with security cameras
marks the final stage of the fundraising campaign for CityWatch, the
plan to cover Glasgow's city centre with a network of 32 security closed
circuit TV cameras.
The programme will cost #1m including running costs over its initial
three years. Half of that sum is coming from public funds. The remaining
half is being raised from the private sector.
''My aim is to reach our target by just after Christmas,'' said
Caroline Durkan, chairman of the CityWatch Association. ''Our programme
then will be to start installation work during February and to have the
whole scheme up and running by the summer.
''We believe it will bring an immediate and dramatic benefit towards a
safer Glasgow. It does not just make sense. It makes business sense.''
A senior projects executive with Glasgow Development Association,
Caroline Durkan first began developing the CityWatch plan some 18 months
ago. In its final form, the 32 monitor cameras will cover crime
''hotspots'' in busy areas of the city in an area roughly bounded by
High Street and Charing Cross, by Clyde Street and Sauchiehall Street.
The TV monitoring nerve centre for it all will be located in Stewart
Street police station where disabled civilian staff employed by
CityWatch will be on duty monitoring quad grouped screens in shifts 24
hours a day and seven days a week.
''While the closed circuit cameras record, our operators will monitor
their screens,'' said Caroline Durkan. ''When they see any incident they
will advise a police supervisor and then, while the system continues to
record, the police will deal with the matter.''
The CityWatch campaign already has powerful backing. Strathclyde Chief
Constable Leslie Sharp says: ''In pilot schemes, CCTV coverage of public
areas has made a significant impact in reducing crime and disorder thus
providing a safe environment for the public.''
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce are equally enthusiastic in their support
of it as a crime prevention initiative described by Caroline Durkan as
aimed at reducing crime and the incidence and fear of crime in the city.
It will ''operate within enabling guidelines drawn up by Strathclyde
Police''.
Recorded tapes will be the property of the Chief Constable and will be
retained for one month then wiped unless required for evidence or
information. The taped information, it is emphasised, will be used only
by Strathclyde Police and only to deter and detect criminals.
The private sector appeal for #500,000 of the total cost has to date
resulted in #200,000 being donated and a further #90,000 promised.
''We see this final fundraising drive which starts now as a very good
investment for any city centre firm,'' said Caroline Durkan. ''Glasgow
will reap great benefits from the scheme. Statistics tell their own
story. Similar schemes have resulted in a 90% reduction in crimes
against vehicles at King's Lynn, a 29% reduction in crime at Newcastle,
in Birmingham achieving the lowest level of crime in the West Midlands,
and a 75% reduction of crime at Airdrie combined with an increase of
retail turnover.
''An economic evaluation suggests that Glasgow could benefit from an
additional #43m annual expenditure along with some 1500 jobs. Glasgow
city centre has no worse crime rate than any other major city. But
CityWatch wants Glasgow to be the best.
''Our system is expected to reduce crime and the costs of crime, to
increase the important 'feel good' factor and to increase city centre
usage -- all to the benefit of businesses, visitors and residents
alike.''
Positions for all 32 cameras have already been decided by a police
survey. None will be hidden. In fact they will be highly visible. The
police survey involved including making sure that none of the cameras
could invade privacy by looking into windows or intruding in other ways
in residential areas.
''They are purely looking at streets. Normal street lighting is all
that will be required,'' said Caroline Durkan. ''Consider it a matter of
putting 32 recording eyes on the streets of Glasgow, continuously
monitoring 24 hours a day and seven days a week. We are particularly
aware of the need to operate the scheme within strict guidelines.
''The final guidelines will go to the Scottish Council for Civil
Liberties who are being invited to comment on them. If we have not
picked up on any aspect which concerns them, we will welcome their
advice.''
Various charitable groups within the city are to be invited to put
forward disabled candidates for employment. ''One aspect should be made
clear,'' said Caroline Durkan. ''There is no evidence to support any
beliefs that crime is simply shuffled down the road from a camera
monitored area to another area where the cameras do not exist. The crime
and vandalism rate stays reduced overall.
''In every aspect, from the reduction of vandalism through to cash in
transit security, the CityWatch network is vital. We also carried out a
public opinion poll to find out how people would feel about those camera
eyes over head. A total of 95% were in favour. A total of 90% saw no
infringement of civil liberties.
''I am certain that by next summer Glasgow CityWatch's cameras will be
in place.''
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