Quinte West OPP are getting some provincial cash to help the continued battle to fight crime in the city.
Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith announced $200,000 in funding to the detachment on Monday, to expand close circuit television camera coverage in the city, part of a $6 million, three-year initiative province wide.
Smith told a press event that technology is one of the best tools police forces have to gain an advantage over criminals operating locally.
“Gang members are less likely to commit a crime if they’re at greater risk of being caught. Video footage of crimes being committed will help with investigations, it’ll help identify suspects and support prosecutions to keep those criminals off our streets.”
While there is already a substantial CCTV network in Quinte West’s downtown area, Detachment Commander Inspector Christina Reive says the new cameras will be installed at key entry points to the city, to help investigators identify criminals who may be coming, or going.
“These cameras will allow us to catch the points where people are coming in and we’ll be able to gather evidence. So if they have guns, or drugs or any other criminal and illicit materials in their vehicles, this will help us to both identify them and prosecute them, reducing violence and crime within our city.”
The new CCTV systems allow for a 360 degree range of motion, along with improved night vision capabilities and other features to help reduce crime locally.
