A network of over 300 cameras across the Hobart CBD is providing Tasmania Police officers with real-time tools to monitor and track down criminals.
From within the Hobart Police Station, officers can access a security portal of live and recorded CCTV footage from more than 330 cameras covering every corner of the municipality.
Southern District Commander Jason Elmer said the system managed by the City of Hobart has already proven to be a valuable tool since its installation less than a month ago.
“On the very first day of the portal being installed, officers used the system to help guide their colleagues on the beat to locate a suspect who had committed an offence in the CBD,” he said.
“In another example, officers were able to monitor the welfare of people stuck at the Mt Wellington visitor centre during the recent severe weather event.”
The upgraded technology will support police patrols in the Hobart area.
“As well as enhancing public safety and deterring offenders, this immediate access to CCTV can provide valuable evidence for our investigative and uniform areas,” Elmer said.
“If we had an incident in the CBD somewhere where we had a person of interest, we’re able to track that person using all of these cameras.”
“We can zoom in with the cameras and we can follow them from one location to another by watching them on the CCTV and providing real-time directions to our police on the ground to direct them towards that person.”
Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the council has recently invested $1.8 million in expanding their security network.
“The city is a relatively safe place to be compared to many other cities around the country. It’s a vibrant and welcoming place,” she said.
“But these are an insurance policy to ensure that people know that we can follow crimes and if a criminal act is undertaken in the city, people will be seen through these kind of cameras.”
