Shakeel Akther, Additional Commissioner of Police (Law & Order)
From the beginning of the year, Joint Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners of Police from all the police districts in the city have been carrying out talks with various residents welfare associations, bank employees and managerial staff of other business establishments in their respective limits on the need for enhanced security measures. In the last six months, over 2,600 CCTV cameras have been installed in various places in big apartment complexes, kalyana mandapam, bank premises, jewellery outlets and other business establishments.
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I think it is a good move to have more surveillance cameras in public places. The police should prioritise installation and decide where to place cameras first, depending on the number of people that gather in a place and the likelihood of threat. For instance, Marina is more crowded than Elliots beach. Also, cameras should be positioned in such a way that they do not intrude into people's privacy. Such a move will help deter crime in places where people congregate.
R.Thilagaraj, Head of the Department of Criminology, University of Madras
Apart from serving as evidence, CCTV footage can play a significant role in deterrence. Sexual harassment in public places is a sad reality. The cameras, however, must be fully utilised. When the police come to know of any unusual behaviour, they must immediately interfere. The effectiveness of the system must be regularly monitored. Many of the cameras are dysfunctional after a couple of years. Though a peaceful crime-free society is unlikely, crime can be minimised and controlled with the use of latest tools.
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