Installation of CCTVs in HDB Blocks and Multi-storey Car Parks

Mr Alex Yam Ziming asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many HDB blocks and multi-storey car parks have been installed with CCTVs since May 2012; (b) how effective are these CCTVs in serving their stated purpose; and (c) when can blocks in Yew Tee expect to be installed with CCTVs.

Mr Teo Chee Hean: As part of the implementation of the Community Policing System (COPS), Police will install Police Cameras at all HDB blocks and multi-storey car parks (MSCPs) by 2016.

Since the programme began in May 2012, Police Cameras have been installed at 350 HDB blocks, including 28 MSCPs. By the end of this year, Police Cameras will be installed at another 650 HDB blocks and MSCPs across all Town Councils in Singapore. These include 10 HDB blocks and 1 MSCP in Yew Tee.

The Police Camera programme aims to strengthen SPF's crime fighting capabilities and enhance the public's sense of safety and security. The Police Cameras are installed at the key ingress and egress locations of the HDB blocks and MSCPs, such as ground-floor staircase landings and lift lobbies. We have seen some early positive signs. Police have used footage retrieved from the Police Cameras to solve 18 crime cases. Investigative leads have been obtained in another 109 cases. Residents have also welcomed the Police Cameras and reported an improved sense of safety and security. We will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of the Police Camera programme as we roll this out to more HDB blocks.