Latest foolhardy project
published: Thursday | December 11, 2003

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I AM constantly amazed by what the government views as priority in disposing of limited resources supplied by the taxpayer. The latest foolhardy project is the purchase of CCTV cameras as a crime-fighting measure.

I wonder whether the suppliers have explained to the government that CCTV images on their own are not very effective in bringing prosecution or solving crime since the images are usally very poor as a result of the movements of the subject captured by the camera. Usually, in order to produce any useful image the captured image must be enhanced using even more advanced technology and even more expensive equipment.

CCTV can be effective only if complemented with good security intelligence and effective law enforcement which are both sadly lacking in Jamaica. The money for CCTV cameras would be better spent on improving the effectiveness of the police.

I am, etc.,

ALTON SNAPE

prizes@mail.ru

Hartford, CT

Via Go-Jamaica