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DMP's closed-circuit camera project hangs in balance

Crn Correspondent
Dhaka Metropolitan Police's (DMP) ambitious plan to bring the city streets under the scrutiny of closed-circuit cameras is yet to see any notable progress although the project was supposed to be completed over a year ago.
According to the work order issued in November 2006, the 'command control and communi -cation system' project was scheduled to be finished by June 2007.
Even more than a year after the deadline, police could not give detail of the extent of the work done or say exactly when the project would be completed.
"We are currently facing some technical difficulties," said a senior official at DMP requesting anonymity. "This is the kind of project that requires a lot of technological and specialised planning and considerations. We have to make sure that there are no loose ends."
“If everything goes well, we are hopeful that it will be completed by somewhere around November," he said.
According to sources, necessary equipments have been brought to the police command control centre at the Police Headquarters on Abdul Gani Road.
However, installation of the CCTV cameras along with the modernisation of the control room saw little progress because of hesitation' over setting up a self-supported tower for the network to function, a DMP source said.
Under the project, around 59 closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras are supposed to be placed at 11 entrance and exit points to the city and other
important spots like Sonargaon Crossing, Farmgate, Shapla Chattar, Bangladesh Bank, Zero Point, Baitul Mukarram, Paltan Maidan, Maghbazar and Mohakhali.
CCTV involves a kind of telecast that can only be seen on specified receivers connected to the television camera by circuits having microwave relays and coaxial cables.
The cameras will be used to make sure that traffic rules are being followed ‘accordingly. Conducts of on-duty traffic officers will also be closely monitored. Appropriate actions will be taken if any officer is found engaged in Illegal or unscrupulous activities, sources said.
Details of haphazardly parked vehicles will also be jotted down so that nearby traffic sergeants can take actions against the
driver. Officers on monitoring duties will also keep a close eye on street crimes. In case of street snatchings and muggings, escape route of the culprit(s) can be easily traced through these cameras, sources added.
"The possibilities are nearly endless," said an official from the media and communication department of DMP "Another important benefit from the use of technology is we can closely monitor general trends and conducts in streets and find solutions for different problems,"
Thirty-two digital message boards will inform drivers about traffic movements and guide them to congestion-free roads. Major city intersections including Parmgate, Mohakhali, Shahbagh, Paltan, Gulistan, Jatrabari, Saycdabad, Shyamoli will have these boards.
The scheme will also give traffic rule enforcers access to Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) communication system. This 'four-channel wireless' technology will enable them to maintain maximum coordination among them.
"The objective of the control room modernisation is to ensure prompt and effective steps for checking crimes, safeguarding VIPs, maintaining discipline and controlling vehicular movement by upgrading the overall standard of police service," said an official at DMP
The initiative for setting up a modern police control room was taken in 1997 by the then home ministry. However, lack of coordination among the authorities concerned and land-related complications delayed the scheme's finalisation.