Chennai: The whole of Chennai will come under CCTV coverage with quick police responses to crimes and public order issues by September end, according to city police commissioner A.K. Viswanathan. He was speaking at a function to release two short films made by noted actor Vivek to create public awareness about the critical importance of CCTV installation.
The 2-minute and 30-second short films, titled Moonram Kan (The Third Eye) and featuring Vivek, sensitise the viewer to the importance of CCTV cameras in crime prevention and detection. Vivek had made the video at his own cost through his Sai Prasanna Foundation, which he had created in memory of his son, and presented to the city police for screening in theatres and on TV channels.
“CCTV cameras at every building facing roadside will help in crime detection. If the residents contribute to this cause by installing cameras, 80 per cent of the city will come under the CCTV coverage. Remaining 20 per cent will be covered by the police by installing CCTV cameras at public places,” Commissioner Viswanathan said.
Addressing the large gathering of police personnel and the public, besides the media, Vivek stressed upon the need for citizens to install CCTV cameras, which he pointed out cost “very low compared to the huge benefits in prevention and solving of serious crime”.
The footage from the cameras would help in quick and conclusive detection of crimes by the police, he said, adding, “Our police are already famous for their competence in crime detection, which is next only to the Scotland Yard sleuths. The CCTV coverage will help them to be even better”.
Additional Commission (South) M.C. Sarangan said the CCTV cameras would act as a deterrent to a crime apart from helping in detection and as digital evidence in the court. Additional Commissioner (North) H.M Jayaram said the national crime records bureau (NCRB) has announced Chennai as the safest city in India. “CCTV cameras will help in ensuring more safety,” he said.
