Surveillance cameras in Cascais given approval for use
In a recent announcement, the Court of Auditors has given the nod for Cascais to proceed with installing a public surveillance system in its territories. This development comes under the leadership of the social democrat Carlos Carreiras.
The project, spanning across various areas, will initially involve 444 cameras strategically placed at locations recommended by the Public Security Police (PSP) and the National Republican Guard (GNR). These spots have been selected based on the history of incidents, crime rates, and popular routes.
The intention behind this public space video monitoring system is to safeguard people and their properties, discourage criminal activities, and improve the response capacity of security forces.
The Cascais City Council has communicated that the captured footage can be viewed at a Municipal Control and Security Center, a facility that is currently under construction, as well as at the PSP Lisbon Metropolitan Command or the GNR Lisbon Territorial Command.
The total investment for this state-of-the-art video monitoring system amounts to 12.5 million euros.
While there's a general consensus on the benefits of advanced video surveillance – such as enhanced public safety, integration with infrastructure, and data-driven urban planning – it's worth noting that recent developments in Cascais only encompass the placement of CCTV cameras at bicycle-sharing stations as a measure against misuse and to bolster public safety, not a 444-camera network citywide. This suggests a nuanced approach to surveillance, catering to specific needs and areas rather than a single, large-scale solution.
Nevertheless, this surveillance system promises to contribute to overall safety and security in Cascais by providing real-time monitoring, swift responses to emergencies, and a series of smart city integrations.
In light of the ongoing development in Cascais, the proposed public surveillance system, costing 12.5 million euros, will not only include cameras at bicycle-sharing stations for enhanced public safety, but also extend to 444 strategically placed cameras across various locations. These cameras, once operational, will feed footage to the Municipal Control and Security Center, PSP Lisbon Metropolitan Command, or GNR Lisbon Territorial Command, aiming to protect properties and deter crime in Portugal.
