)2008/01/10

CCTVs for all high-density areas to combat crime

KUALA LUMPUR: A more visible police presence and better use of "people power" in crime prevention are part of a mixed bag of measures being implemented to arrest the rising crime index. The cabinet yesterday decided that all local authorities should install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in high-density public areas to keep crime at bay. Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said police would identify locations for CCTVs with local authorities, ensuring that such equipment in commercial complexes were properly monitored. The cabinet has set aside RM75 million to rent and install CCTVs over the next five years. These moves came in the wake of proposals from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Tuesday to make the streets safe again in the wake of a worrying hike in crime. On the cards are efforts to split police districts, like Klang, into two to increase the number of policemen on the streets. This will also reduce the number of cases per investigating officer and improve the rate of crime resolution. More police stations are being planned in shophouses and housing estates after a careful study of locations. Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Ismail Omar said more police bases would also be set up. "There will be an increased police presence in crime-prone areas and a co-ordinated effort between Bukit Aman, the state and district police headquarters on policing these locations. "At the same time, police are seeking closer co-operation with residents' associations and non-governmental organisations to assist in crime prevention." All district police chiefs have been instructed to hold regular meetings with residents in areas under their jurisdictions. "These meetings will be an excellent opportunity for both parties to meet and communicate on a regular basis. It will also allow complaints or grouses among the public to be discussed. "If there are any substantiated complaints about errant policemen, action will be taken." Ismail said although the idea of better police-community relations was not new, greater emphasis had to be placed on the matter. "If the relationship between the public and police is strained or estranged, then a vital source of information in solving criminal cases is lost."

Ismail said retired senior police officers were being shortlisted and contracts were being drawn up for them to be employed as trainers or lecturers at the police college. Abdullah had expressed alarm over the increasing crime rate and announced several remedial measures. He had also suggested hiring contract policemen, installing more CCTV cameras, appointing more civilians to administrative positions and fast-tracking recruitment. Last year, Abdullah announced a RM6 billion budget for the police, a move the force welcomed as it enabled the purchase of equipment and vehicles to combat crime.