Beefing up national security

Jul 07, 2011 Editorial

Guyana is slowly moving into the technological age. It is embracing Information Communication Technology commonly referred to as ICT. The government has brought a huge communication cable from Brazil and it is only a matter of time before that cable is incorporated into the national telecommunication system.
For example, countries like the United States do not have to wait for any length of time to ascertain whether a vehicle bearing a certain number plate is what it is intended to be. Similarly, errant drivers stopped routinely can easily be detected on the spot because there is the technology.
The police patrols are equipped with the communication system that is linked to the data bank that houses all the information on vehicles, motorists and just about everything on the roads. Further, with the threat of terrorism there is a direct link to just about every database that is there for the inspection of the security system.
In many cities there are also the cameras. Some of these cameras are remotely operated and trap motorists who breach the traffic lights. They snap the photographs which are then inspected by whichever department monitors the traffic lights. There is no need for excessive manpower.
Two years ago, President Bharrat Jagdeo announced that cameras would be placed in the city to monitor crime and other aspects that bother the society. Initially, the government was prepared to rely on security cameras installed at business places. Needless to say, the quality of the cameras meant much to any investigation. So it is that the government is placing cameras on the streets.
The intention is to be able to monitor every entry and exit point to the city because more often than not when crimes are committed in the city the perpetrators escape to locations outside the city. The cameras would aid the law enforcers because they would negate the need to search all over the place.
When cameras were first established in the streets of London and other metropolitan countries there was a hue and cry about the invasion of privacy. People recalled George Orwell’s 1984 with its catch phrase of Big Brother watching the every move of people. Orwell’s novel was futuristic but in the same way that Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea became reality so too did Orwell’s 1984.
In Guyana we really do need people to watch our every move because unless we have something to hide then the cameras could be there for all they are worth. Canada uses the cameras to good effect to track the movement of vehicles around the country. Through the cameras they have been able to track stolen cars attempting to leave the country.
In Guyana, while it has not yet been stated, the police have been able to rapidly apprehend some hijackers and people who make off with stolen vehicles. In one case the carjackers did not get far before the police were on to them. It turned out that they were no older than twenty years old.
Then there was the car that was stolen from outside the National Stadium. It was found stripped within hours. We are certain that the police were helped by the working cameras already installed.
However, there are certain things that need to be addressed. One has to do with the security of the cameras. It is not unusual that people target installations that could thwart their nefarious activities. We know of vandals smashing street lights, or people targeting traffic lights. We would not be surprised to hear of vandals targeting these cameras.
Cameras enabled the British to catch the men who planted a series of bombs on the subway some years ago; they helped track the little boy who abducted a toddler and later killed him; but the very British say that these cameras have their limitations.
The Americans do not set store by cameras. They do use them for leads then they employ thorough detective work.
We welcome the cameras because they would force criminals to dress in a manner that would attract attention to themselves. They would try to wear disguises in public and they cannot therefore hide. Information is that fifteen of the cameras are working at this time. Install the others in a hurry and monitor them.

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