Belize VU Donates $60K Worth of Security Cameras to Benque Police
Benque Viejo police received sixty-thousand dollars worth of surveillance cameras. The donation was made by a security tech company called Belize VU and the technology and infrastructure for the project was developed by its sister company called Alternative Networks. A total of fourteen cameras were handed over today to the Benque police which will be connected to one local network that will be monitored and recorded by the police and Belize VU. Here’s more from today’s handing over ceremony in Benque.
Diana Hall
Diana Hall, O.C, Benque Viejo Police Formation
“Crime fighting strategies are many. The introduction of surveillance camera is being activated by the Benque Viejo Police Formation in an effort to combat crime and ensure public safety. The installation of surveillance cameras at strategic locations within Benque Viejo Town serves as a deterrence as it relates to criminal activities. These cameras will allow us to monitor specific areas of interest. Human resources are always a challenge. These cameras are twofold; it can either be used in place of our police officers or additionally to our police. Criminology theorists suggest potential offenders are less likely to commit crime if they believe they are being watched or they are at greater risk of being apprehended. However, they must be aware that they are being watched. The handing over of these cameras today will create awareness to the general public. We are hoping that the system will increase perception of safety among citizens as well as encourage citizens to use public spaces they know are guarded by surveillance.”
Javier Gutierrez
Javier Gutierrez, Representative, Belize VU
“The cameras that are being used are real high tech cameras; you can research and Google it. So we can safely say that Belize is at par with any of the bigger, developed nations in respect to technology and cameras. So we are really stepping up with technology so that Belize can really be there. And we can proud of the fact that wherever you are, those cameras will detect you. They have the capability of detecting license plates, they have the capability of detecting facial recognition and so much more. they have infrared. So even though it is dark, with the little spec of light, it can make sure that your face is visible.”
This donation is only one part of the project that seeks to work with the police to install cameras across municipalities. A total of twelve cameras were donated to San Ignacio and the Town Council and business community donated another twenty-two for that town. Similar donation has been made to Belmopan and other municipalities are expected to get their cameras in the coming months. The estimated cost of the donation for the countrywide projects is estimated at around six hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars.
