Over 100 CCTV cameras to be installed across Tortola
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has announced plans to have over 100 CCTV cameras operational across Tortola by the end of 2024 to enhance security.
In a statement on Tuesday, November 12, the RVIPF shared updates on the ongoing upgrades and expansion of Tortola’s CCTV surveillance network.
“Last year, 70 CCTV cameras were installed in 32 strategic locations around Tortola. Recognizing the need for broader coverage, the upgrade now includes replacing most existing cameras with advanced models and adding new cameras in previously uncovered areas,” the RVIPF stated. “By the end of 2024, over 100 cameras will be monitoring new streets and alleyways, providing more comprehensive surveillance.”
The RVIPF noted that in-house upgrades have saved approximately $480,000 in annual costs. Systems Manager Sergeant Claude Rymer led the project, which the RVIPF described as a model of “excellence in project execution without the need for external contractors.”
Looking ahead to 2025, the RVIPF has requested additional funding to address remaining gaps in coverage on Tortola.
Virgin Gorda is also slated to see an increase, where the number of CCTV locations on the sister island will increase from five to 10, deploying over 20 cameras for enhanced security coverage.
Police Commissioner Mark Collins previously indicated plans to reassess the placement of cameras in light of emerging hotspots like Huntums Ghut. Collins emphasized that while the BVI is generally safe, enhancing CCTV coverage could deter crime and assist in investigations.
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in the uk residents are using power tools and removing these cameras due to INVASION of privacy…tell the police get up and do some damn work..stop taking jobs as security guards so they could drink all night
In the UK they are removing cameras that impose fines for driving you vehicle in certain areas and at certain times. It’s essentially a new tax and the people are not going along with it.
this is great news. I have been long saying this needs to be done.
Will these be high resolution cameras with pan and scan technology and ANPR? Or some more low res BS they could buy at a dollar store? Asking for a friend.
great question. had an axxident some years back. All caught on camera. Was very excited until I got the news the resolution low. It was most disappointing
YOU CANT USE THEM IN COURT AS EVIDENCE SO MAKE IT MAKE SENSE WHAT THE HELL U WANT TO SPYING ON PEOPLE ALL THE TIME
When will we invest in this like what our neighbors have across the pond (USVI)????? It seems that the more officers are brought on-board the less crime are solved especially serious crimes.
However, at this point, I say do what needs to be done. We live in a society whereby tolerance of criminal activity is high and a reality.
A society whereby people play deaf and blind for whatever reason when it comes to reporting crime.
Remember there are over 100 unsolved murders in mostly Tortola, a place of a mere 21.5 square miles. How is that possible?
A lawyer was recently murdered and to this day no one has been held accountable for his demise like all the other murders that preceded his.
Thus, if the police needs these additional tools to solve crimes, I am all for it. Use modern technology to catch these criminals and secure convictions.
I am certain if there was visual evidence of crimes being committed, many of these people who got off in the past would be in jail today.
If you are not committing crimes, one should not have any thing to worry about. As for invasion of privacy, surely these cameras will be placed in public spaces, so I don’t see any issue with privacy.
Install them all over the island for all I care at this point since people don’t speak up and the criminals are getting the upper hand.
Some may think twice before they commit a crime knowing that they are being watched, and if they proceed despite the cameras, assuming the cameras are working, there will be evidence to secure their conviction.
I liken the effectiveness of the cameras to turning on the lights in a roach infested room. Turn them on, the roaches will scatter.
So, install them in every hot spot throughout the island where these is known high criminal activity.
We criminalized the people over generations, separated them from the police, now we want to do a 180 without fixing the problem of criminalizing the people for a cannabis plant. It is a gateway drug to crime because it is illegal and everyone has to learn how to hide and score.
The police are at the bars everything good but they moment they go on the block the young people are running to toss, who was coming turning back hiding, and the wise old heads sit tight because they already hid their weed.
Cameras good for hot heads but people arent animals they know how to stay off the camera especially if they are in the same spot everyday and there is no reason they can not shift position. Next thing you know we’ll have trap houses instead.
Too much watchie watchie
The more you look is the less you see
No more privacy