PPM Madeira (Monarchy Party) has issued a statement opposing the installation of video surveillance cameras on the streets of the city of Funchal, as the party believes this will only create a false sense of citizens ‘ security.
In its opinion, surveillance cameras do not prevent crime and only serve to later run after the damage caused by the miscreants and as proof of the crimes committed, but if we take into account that the criminals can wear hoods, in situations of robberies, thefts and assaults, their effectiveness is null and void if we cannot see their faces and identify the perpetrators. So in effect, crime will increase, not decrease in the city centre.
Thus, “the PPM states that the best way to fight crime is to work in the sense of its prevention, and this can only be done with more policing on the streets, because crime has to be prevented and not chased after once the crime has been committed.”
The party concludes that conditions have to be created for there to be more policing on the streets, and career incentives to encourage people to join the police service. This, they say, has been lacking and instead of supporting the security services, governments have downplayed their role in society through various means.
The new video surveillance system, inaugurated 3 days ago, represents an investment of 1.2 million euros. There are 81 cameras installed (65 fixed and 16 rotary) in 38 strategic locations in the city, areas determined by the Public Security Police, in collaboration with the municipality’s technicians. The new surveillance system covers high-incidence crime areas and perceived insecure places. Through this, the police and the city council hope to reduce crime, support research, and contribute to a greater sense of security among citizens and visitors.”
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
