Police Defend Powerful New Surveillance Cameras
Police can now monitor parts of Belize City more closely, day or night, using surveillance cameras equipped with advanced zoom and remote movement. Authorities say the technology will help them watch known crime hotspots, but some residents worry the cameras may also peer into private spaces. ACP Hilberto Romero today addressed those concerns while outlining the cameras’ capabilities.
Reporter
“The footage that you all are getting from these latest surveillance cameras, the CCTVs, are those capturing audio?”
Hilberto Romero
ACP Hilberto Romero, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch
“At this time we only have footage and it does not capture any audio.”
Reporter
“But it can?”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“Yes, some of them can, yeah.”
Reporter
“Does it also have night vision capabilities?”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“Yeah, some of them are equipped, yeah.”
Reporter
“How does the police department decide where those are placed?”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“Based on the threat level and where we see it necessary, where we have incidents of crimes and shootings, and they are placed in those areas.”
Reporter
“Have you received any complaints from anyone that they’re hung too low?”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“No, we have not received any complaints, no.”
Former Home Affairs Minister Julius Espat said this week that authorities should review how high the cameras are mounted.
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