Delta govt gives last warning over installation of CCTVs

The Delta State government has expressed disappointment over disobedience to its directive on the installation of smart surveillance cameras.

Since the existing law became operative on July 28, 2020, owners of public places, including worship centres, schools, hotels, shopping malls, eateries, cinemas, supermarkets, petrol/gas stations, private parks, event centres, and hotels have failed to adhere to it.

According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu and released to the public at the weekend, failure to comply with the directive will result in a 2-year jail term and a fine of N500,000 as well as the sealing of the affected premises until compliance is achieved.

The statement reads: “As part of measures to provide adequate security in and around public places, the state government has directed all owners of such facilities to install Smart Surveillance Cameras failing which, the areas will be sealed and their owners prosecuted.

“The government said the public places listed in the law include shopping malls, eateries, cinemas, supermarkets, petrol/gas stations, private parks, event centres, hotels, public and private offices, worship centres, and schools.

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“Although the law became operative on July 28, 2020, its observance has been very poor. Thus, the very important help that the surveillance cameras ought to give the security agencies in their professional work of providing adequate security in and around these public places has not been available.

“Therefore, with increasing crime trends, the state government is strengthening existing security arrangements which include the enforcement of this law among other initiatives.

“The SSG gave the prescribed specifications of the surveillance cameras to include for outdoor viewing: 4k bullet CCTV camera 8MP with 50m night vision (show colour at night); 4k Ultra HD Video – captures high quality 4k images up to 20 frames per second. The camera records files with a resolution of 3840 x 2160, equivalent to 4 frames.

“For indoor cameras, the SSG said it should be a 4k 8mp dome IP camera built-in mic, starlight video (shows colours at night, 12vdc or PoE, IP67 Waterproof, Wall/Ceiling/Pole Mount Lens type: fixed focal length, 2.8mm and 4mm.

“While Speed dome rotating IP camera for streets and Roads must be 4k 8mp IP Camera and must have the following features 1/1.8” progressive scan CMOS, High-quality imaging with 8MP resolution, Excellent low-light performance, 32x optical zoom and 16x digital zoom, Expansive night view with up to 650-foot (200m) IR range. Face capture: up to 5 captured at the same time. Active Deterrence: White flashing light and audible warning can be triggered by certain events, MD 2.0 – Human and vehicle deterrence.

“Failure on the part of any owner or proprietor of any of the public places listed above to install the prescribed camera attracts conviction, a term of 2 years imprisonment and a fine of N500,000.00 with the additional liability of having the affected place sealed up until compliance is affected.

“The statement assured all Deltans and residents in the state of the government’s strong resolve to protect them, but added that all must play their part to assist the government and the security agencies to deliver on this commitment to keep everyone safe and businesses functional.”