Southwark council: We welcome new CCTV technology

Wednesday, 04, Apr 2007 12:00

Jeff Hook, Southwark council's executive member for community safety, has expressed his support for the arrival of new 'talking' CCTV technology to the borough.

"We welcome this funding to further improve our existing CCTV system and help tackle anti-social behaviour and enviro-crime in the borough," he said.

He went on to stress the fact that the technology would empower local communities by allowing members of the public to communicate with CCTV control room staff.

"The interactive system will not only empower local people to report suspicious activity but also enable CCTV operators to put out messages challenging unacceptable behaviour.

"Talking CCTV will help decrease fear of crime, reassure local residents, disrupt anti-social behaviour, and allow members of the public to communicate with staff in the control room," he said.

Southwark council is one of only two London boroughs to receive the 'talking' CCTV cameras, along with Barking and Dagenham.