Benn suggests linking direct feed of CCTV cameras at businesses to Police Command Centre

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn on Tuesday made a pitch to the private sector of having a direct link from CCTV cameras situated on business entities to the Guyana Police Forces’ Security Command Centre in an effort to address crime.

The Minister was at the time delivering remarks during handing ceremony of two new vehicles from the private sector to the Force. The donation was made through a collaborative effort between Palm Court, M&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants along with Zendaya Auto Sales.

There, Minister Benn stated that the Force is faced with “new challenges” in crime-fighting.

Because of this, the Force is looking to forge a further collaboration with the private sector, using the Command Centre as a link to better monitor activities not only in the capital but across the country.

“We are looking for a partnership where we would have private businesses put up cameras which would be linked into the Police Force system so that we can review, we can track and we can follow and can have a significant impact in relation to fighting crime in our country,” the Home Affairs Minister said.

The centre currently boasts several mounted television camera monitors that are used to trace incidents and to link these with ambulances, fire service, and police service responses.

On the donation of the new vehicles, Minister Benn stated that it will help the GPF on its mission to further reduce crime across the country, adding further that the timely donation will add to an incoming fleet of 50 new vehicles for the Force.

He maintained that though serious crime is down by 20%, concerted efforts are still needed to keep the number down.

Commissioner of Police Nigel Hoppie, who was also present, echoed similar sentiments as Minister Benn and pledged to ensure that the vehicles are utilised for their intended purpose.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Palm Court Ravin Prashad touched on the importance of the private sector stepping up their role in crime-fighting and encouraged others to follow suit.

The vehicles are 308 Peugeots wagons and were said to be made to suits Guyana’s climate. Both vehicles cost a combined total of $7 million.