CCTV camera malfunction affects Police Investigation

The malfunction or technical failures of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras at times affect Police investigation process in evidence gathering, says Divisional Police Commander (DPC), Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kemueli Baledrokadroka.

He said the Northern Command Centre was linked to the CCTVs at several locations at Labasa Town to assist in monitoring possible criminal activities.

SSP Baladrokadroka said members of the public must understand that Police make all efforts to gather information, but technical faults at times prolonged investigation.

When asked on the recent taxi driver assault case at Labasa Town on September 3, SSP Baledrokadroka said CCTV camera footage helped with the arrest of the suspect last Wednesday.

Taxi driver, Aiyaz Din Mohammed, 31, received facial injuries when he was allegedly assaulted by a man.

SSP Baledrokadroka called on businesses to install CCTV cameras to help enhance surveillance in the township for their business security and assist police with information.

“I urge for more active public-police partnership in information sharing of crime suspects,” he said.

Labasa Taxi Association chairman Mahen Prasad reiterates that Police must ensure vigilance on the ground especially the traffic officers to prevent such assaults from reoccurring.

Mr Prasad said while Police continued their surveillance, association drivers would assist in information sharing on pirate taxi operators.

Illegal taxi operators who possess no legal taxi permit, operate their private vehicles as taxis.

“There are a number of people in Labasa who own private cars and operate them as pirate taxis,” he said.

“If it is illegal to operate, it must stop,” Mr Prasad said.

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