http://www.straitstimes.com/archive/...meras-20141008

New HDB blocks to come with surveillance cameras

Published on Oct 8, 2014 1:37 AM

By Rachel Au-Yong


RESIDENTS who move into Housing Board flats built in about two years from now will feel more secure: Their blocks will come with surveillance cameras already installed.

Until then, the police are focusing on getting these closed-circuit television (CCTVs) cameras installed in existing and soon-to- be-built HDB blocks and multi- storey carparks.

The programme, part of the $160-million Community Policing System, is slated to be completed by end-2016. Until then, "we are at a transition period because this is a programme that's being implemented progressively", said Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran yesterday.

He was replying to Ms Lee Bee Wah (Nee Soon GRC), who had asked if CCTV cameras could be installed in all new blocks before residents move in.

To speed up the installation in new blocks, the police are working with the HDB to incorporate the camera requirements into the design, he said.

The cameras will be fitted at key entry and exit points, such as stairwells and lift lobbies. All 10,000 HDB blocks and multi- storey carparks here are slated to have them by end-2016.

Mr Iswaran said the programme is on track at the one- third mark, with 18,000 cameras installed in 3,300 blocks.

He also said the police consider a variety of factors, such as local crime trends, community feedback and town council recommendations, when deciding which blocks will get the cameras first and when to set them up.

Mr Zaqy Mohamad (Chua Chu Kang GRC) asked if the camera coverage could be extended to include bicycle bays, for example.

Mr Iswaran said he would consider it but noted that the police do take into account the "local priority or concern" when deciding on where to install the cameras.

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