Law enforcement authorities have renewed calls for the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) in Dominica following the use of this technology in Boston to trap suspects in last week’s ‘Marathon Bombing.’
Police Chief Daniel Carbon said the installation of CCTV in Dominica would be a powerful tool in the battle against crime.
“That would help us in our intelligence gathering …and that would be a very powerful tool in crime prevention and detection as well,” Carbon told Dominica News Online. “You saw the situation in Boston and it was a perfect example where CCTV cameras captured the suspects in the bombing.”
Hours after the bloody drama in Boston, US investigators used a vast quantity of amateur photos and videos, as well as extensive footage from surveillance cameras, to identify the two suspects implicated in the blasts which left three persons dead and more than 170 wounded.
Carbon said he welcomes the idea of having CCTVs installed around Roseau and Portsmouth. “I would welcome having closed-circuit TV all around the city if it can be done,” he said.
He stated further that well established businesses should take up the initiative of installing CCTV around their premises. “I ask that prominent business places in and around the city of Roseau, Portsmouth and other places as well, install CCTV … if it can be installed it would be very good,” he noted.
Carbon is not the only member of the police hierarchy that has called for the installation of CCTV in Dominica.
In February 2012, then police commissioner, Cyril Carrette, said the technology would provide greater security and assist in solving major crimes.
“CCTV is one that is needed to be looked at since it helps law enforcement officers solve crimes,” he said. “As it relates to the city I am fully in support of that move despite the difficult terrain that is in Dominica.”
Not installing a system these days is just foolish, wouldn’t you say?
great step taken by Govt
To compete with other vacationing islands you must be one step ahead. As a tourist i would rather go to a country that have my best interest at heart. Cameras work as long as you use them for the right reasons.
I am afraid it is not this simple my fellow countrymen. Installing CCTV in the different communities of Dominica is unlikely to solve the problem. Yes it can and will assist the police with solving crime but thinking that it will create a huge difference in terms of crime fighting, that is very unlikely. Community policing is the key, getting police officers to show a presence in problem areas are a much better way of combatting crime and at the same time build a positive relationship with the people in the community. Based on experience having worked as a Police Officer, not in Dominica and in the Military, having boots on the ground is always the best way forward
Boston is a false flag, just like Sandy Hook and others. CIA and FBI involvement.
People buseness they want to watch, Dominica have no need for cctv.
Dominicans, be careful what you ask for. CCTV are to restrict the choices you have. Be careful, you do not need a police state.
they need to put one on each block where those kawant does pull up…thats where the crime starts
How about Hanover Street? Saw a guy lighting up his crack pipe yesterday evening there, close to the market in broad daylight. Not a policeman in sight. And by the way, is it my imagination or do we see fellows being prosecuted for smoking marijuana all the time but I can’t recall anyone being arrested for smoking crack cocaine in public. Is that business protected in some way?
I hope they put one facing your bedroom window too… all allu can do it target poor people children??? instead u talk about jobs to get them off the blocks u want camera..?? the most malicious set of people in Dominica sit behind desk jobs and try to deny other people the opportunity to advance….they should have cctv on you wherever u are typing that crap!!
I am definitely pro CCTV. These camera’s are incredibly efficient. They tell the truth. There was a case in London a few years ago where a man was walking into his home with a laptop and was robbed. CCTV was used to capture this criminal and he is now in prison serving time for a slew of other acts. But here’s the thing… If this kind of evidence cannot be presented in court, then it would make no sense to waste the money. There are so many criminals, those that are in prison for petty crimes, while there are murderers walking the streets. It would make no sense to install CCTV around the country if sentences are not standard. If you murder someone, there should be no BAIL… why murderers get bail is beyond me. Something has to give. The court system needs some serious reshuffling.
blah blah blah….
The police want CCTV so we can see how corrupt and incompetent they are. What help is CCTV going to be when you all can’t even conduct ethical searches? What help is going to be when you all have the criminal leave next day on airplane to Canada? It’s like you all don’t know who commit those crimes. You all just chose to prosecute who all you want. Some years ago Marpin caught a criminal act on video during carnival celebrations where one guy got murdered and oooppps, just like that th video disappeared. There was so much corruption in that case even with video evidence, yet all you trying to convince people that the police is able to what be moral, ethical and bring all criminals to justice? HAHAHAHAHA yeah….right!
mr carbon good day first of all i want to commend u for that wonderfull idea because if the cctv were instal in centeroma seiko seko would have been brought to justice
i thought it was in the rivers, bushes and countryside areas the tourists were getting robbed. When i hear stuff like that i want statistics to go with it. Really, how much crime is there on the open streets of Roseau and Portsmouth. Someone please tell me so that I can support this article.
Well said!…….I would recommend a greater police presence in Roseau and Portsmouth.
And I agree with you! Let the businesses install cctv in the cities and let govt install in remote places.Diasporas(as they call y’all. I can’t stand that word by the way) contribute.
use the money to see how you all can create more jobs. When more people out working is not people things they will be interested in to burn their eyes.
OR use the money to put a proper police gym so that the big belly officers can work out.
Great idea, but not one that I believe we can afford considering how prohibitively expensive it is. Everyone saying “yes yes yes go ahead” without realizing that this is not simply a matter of of putting cameras up; there’s software to operate them, the infrastructure to have them all interconnected, the manpower to supervise service them, the manpower to respond to incidences, and there’s the added challenge of identifying people who wear disguises. Furthermore, you have the “DOMLEC” problem – the entire system will have to be powered up constantly and not subject to the whim of DOMLEC’s “rolling blackouts”. CCTV surveillance equipment are high tech electronic systems that must be fully powered up and constant loss of power and power spikes/surges that are so common in Dominica, which in turn inevitably leads to having to re-boot the system every time, are sure to damage the circuitry. I am willing to bet that most commenters here who are all saying “yes yes yes” all live in New York, or London or some other large metropolis where there’s no power outage because the power lines are all underground and their city governments rake in billions of dollars/euros in taxes annually, so saying yes is easy for them – they don’t have to pay VAT in Dominica to help pay for this.
I say no, but I have an alternative – provide tax credits to businesses and individuals to purchase install stand-alone units within their establishments and homes that operate on both standard electric as well as auxiliary power (battery when DOMLEC shut them down, because they will eventually). These units should also have the capacity to digitally record and store 72 hours (3 days) of activity on all cameras; if a crime is committed, the police have ample time to come and download the information and proceed from there. The money saved from installing the state-wide CCTV system can be used to hire more police detectives who can be trained to mine the data from all these surveillance cameras AND more regular police officers on foot patrol in areas identified as potentially ripe for criminal activity. It is a fact that criminals avoid places where police are highly visible – hire more and let them walk the streets with their radios.
Well, that’s a way of creating jobs.
Exactly! It will spur entrepreneurship as well as create new, non-existent jobs for young people – they can now be trained in installation and maintenance of these pieces of equipment. Alongside this would be electronic burglar alarm installations also – AND central-station monitoring. These are all jobs waiting to be created.
So has the law changed? I was led to believe that pictures of a youth being stabbed a few carnivals ago was not admissible in court, so of what use will be the CCTV?
That changed quietly in 2010
http://www.dominica.gov.dm/laws/2010/Electronic%20Evidence%20no.%2013.pdf
sorry my friend but this act still does not allow for photographic evidence
Excellent question!!! I would like Police
Chief Carbon or the legal luminaries to please enlighten us on this one. Thank you!
Alas poor my country. I want to move back home but with all this corruption I guess that’s just wishful thinking
give us a break! where you are probably is just as corrupt. you want people to know that you live in foreign. you still backward, oui.
No dear don’t change your mind. All we have to is form an alliance and get rid of the crooks. I will not allow anyone to stop me from going back home to live.
That can be used for both good and bad but with the type of political climate in Da persons will be afraid to even demonstrate when they have too (the police wont have to come with cameras anymore to intimidate people, the cameras are already there. lol). Is electronic evidence admissible in court here? I think that will make the police even lazier . They will just sit in HQ and spy . But on another note there have been so many fatal accidents around fondcole area why haven’t they ask for the installation of some street lights instead to minimize these accidents. If we cant afford lights how are we going to afford cameras in both Roseau and possy. Even with evidence we still do not prosecute or even win some of the cases (42 charges, firebombing). The police need to be trained better in collecting and the prosecutor needs to be more convincing . Also the police has to be independent and should not be intimidated or controlled by any political party that may be in government.
The government and the police hierarchy should learn from Boston. After all, life is a learning process. The entire world listened to what occurred and how quickly they were able to identify the terrorists. I marveled at that.
I endorse the installation of CCTV also in stores. It is a useful tool to catch criminals and to deter them. It should be installed without much ado. If possible, the tapping of phones should be conducted specifically for suspected criminals. This has also been helpful in catching criminals and some very bad ones.
This week the Ontario Police arrested two possible terrorists. Their target was an Amtrak train which travels from N.Y. to Ontario and back. If they were not caught and had planted the bombs, many Americans and Canadians would have died and others injured. Some of you may have heard about it on the news. They were under surveillance for a long time. It is not yet stated if their phone lines were tapped. I would think so. If so, it will also be presented in Court as evidence.
Guess what? The police received a tip. Also someone observed them checking out the train tracks and reported it to the police.
Fellow Dominicans, you must cease giving your police force a bad name and calling them derogatory names. This is degrading them. What type of nationals are you? As you, the police who are people too are not all that bad. Cease bringing them down and demeaning them.
You, too, are obligated to perform your civic and societal duty (as also religious ones for those of you who are practicing religious people) and join the fight in apprehending criminals by informing the police. In fact, everyone with no exception, every able person has a duty to God, to Church, to society and to their country. Do not lose sight of this.
If crimes/murders are eradicated from Dominica and/or stabilized, you will be the beneficiaries of this, to live and walk, happily, in peace and harmony with one another as it should be.
At least it will generate some employment,, a project like that will run (installation) for sometime, then “IT” will have some long term employment. Let’s hope a Dominican contractor gets the job.
Wow!!! What a great idea.
I fraid CCTV in Dominica, I am afraid the intention is not to catch criminals but to continue spying on me.
What do you have to worry about? I reside in a city where, specifically downtown and in the stoes there is CCTV. I have nothing to hide and to worry about. It does not bother me in the least.
Some streets have cameras which take pictures of vehicles to catch motorists who do not adhere to road regulations as also speeding. It is a way of life.
Well go and live somewhere else u, all you too like to live in Roseau. See if Jimmit would have that nah…
U fink is because allu put a camera on bayfront i wouldn’t chap a man….if is chap i wan chap him…i chapping!
@ Chap Chap Sir/Madam you are “DAY ZO LAY” man! Wow! I am trembling all now so!
Mr Carbon what we need are officers who will do their work honestly,without interference from others.This must exist from the POlice Chief to the last recruit.We have too many square pegs in round holes in this police force.
they have t in marigot st martin,,,,,,go for it to much tourist getting robbed in da
yes that would be a very vital move….private homes too should do so also…and even in street corners etc….
This technology would serve well at our more secluded tourist sites where the tourists are prone to attack.
Point of correction, the innocent will not pay for the guilty…
Hats off to the police..
Bring technology our country
There are to many crimes taking place in Dominica.
So therefore, the not pay for the guilty.
Next thing that should be looked at is DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
AGAINST WOMEN…
That is a very important issue back home..
I think the gov’t should take all necessary steps to protect all Dominicans from criminal activity and terrorism. As a Dominican living overseas CCTV is a vital tool for law enforcement.
You are correct. We who reside abroad know the usefulness and effectiveness of CCTV. It is also an important tool in apprehending criminals.
This is a typical example of the effectiveness of CCTV.
In Toronto on Sunday afternoon a robbery took place at a bank. These days most banks are opened on Sundays from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm. A bank teller and, a man who pursued the two robbers were shot. They are in the hospital.
The news broadcast showed them on CCTV, jumping over the counter. They got away with money. The Bankers’ Association offered $100,000 for their arrest.
On Monday, the police got a tip and arrested one. Today, Tuesday, they got another tip and went to the home of the other robber. His suitcase was packed and he had a one-way ticket to Jamaica. He was arrested.
I am wondering if the agency where he bought the ticket was not responsible for this arrest. Who knows? As stated, this man was also previously charged for assault (and whatever else).
Although they had a cap/hat and no doubt tried to disguise themselves, their faces were somewhat visible. Thanks to the CCTV, the police were able to arrest them (both Jamaicans) through the help of civilians. Someone or a few people will get/share the $100,000.
On many occasions, the police catch robbers even though it takes a few weeks. It is wise and beneficial for nationals that they support the Police in the installation of CCTV.
While commenting on DNO I heard on the late news that the Canadian Federal government has passed an Anti-Terrorism Law. Know that they are also influenced by the Boston bombings. It was quickly passed due to this and also in view of this new terrorist threat in Ontario. The men were arrested. They are Muslims, residents in Canada, one from Montreal and the other from Ontario.
The government have been debating on it for sometime. The Prime Minister stated that Canada will not be used as a haven for terrorists. This time it was crucial to quickly pass it.
What bothers me is their legal defense who, themselves are generally Canadians will try their utmost to have them obtain bail and be acquitted. Folks, on occasion it is no different here, to the disappointment and uproar of most Canadians as most in DA.
The two Jamaican men who were arrested for robbery on Sunday at a bank were deemed as dangerous people. Police advised the public if they are seen do not interfere with them but call the police. There are times, although considered dangerous, they are bailed. I have to write my MP and MPP about this.
I endorse CCTV, all the way for Dominica. May it be installed soon. It should give nationals and store owners a relief. The store owners who do not have one installed should do so ASAP – As Soon As Possible. We reside in an era of ever-increasing criminals. Every government has a right to protect its country and nationals.
i can testify to that idea because my house in D A was broken into about 2 years ago and the bums were caught because i have cameras instaled to record what ever goes on, date time and day they were given probation and it was not long before one guy broke into his aunt’s house and is doing 4 years. the other almost had his head cut off by a family member.
Mr. Carbon, while I agree we need CCTV’s, I am of the view the following needs to be considered first especially given the cost involved vs. the benefit at this time:
1) We need police officers doing more frequent patrols and not standing too long in one area particularly during tourist season, Christmas etc.
2) We need bike patrols in both towns, because our criminals are more sophisticated.
3) Our sidewalks need to be done to make the surface more even, and to suspend parking at areas where people walk more in Roseau.
Having said the above does the country law allows for installation of such crime fighting device, particularly given video is not admissible in court. If no, then we need to institute the laws to allow for installation of CCTV.
Your third question and statement. This should be changed. Phone lines including cellulars should also be tapped especially that of suspected criminals.
Phone tapping have assisted the Ontario police of all to catch criminals and many of them especially those who are involved in the drug trade. Actually, those who are law-abiding have no idea if their phones are tapped or not.
Therefore, DA authorities should also consider and implement them.
There should also be undercover police but in a small place as DA where nationals know the police, it may not be effective to catch criminals.
I concur! And to add a bit: the americans have very well trained officers who analyze these videos. Are we willing to get our officers said training?
“Cyril Carrette, said the technology would provide greater security and assist in solving major crimes”
He was the same one who requested an Arsonist from the US to investigate the Emmanuel Fire. Guess Arsonist must be waiting for Parole why he aint show up yet.
You ppl in Dominica always brings up some negative issues.. come on ppl support your country, stop bringing our country down.
@ diva
Anyone who addresses a group of individuals as “you people!” is either a racist or bigot. Either way it is a sign of low self esteem in particular when the blanket generalisation is employed. You have to learn to be tolerant of others view. Such ill-discipline utterances speaks volumes of your disposition and general insecurities.
Spray this comment with baygon
I disagree: Buisnesses yes, around the city installed by Police or Government no. Sounds like the making of a Police State. This is absolutly not needed. It is practical in Cities like Boston due to its area and population which has a smaller proportion of cops per person. Who is going to foot the bill? If it is the Tax payers then they have the right to decide.
Secondly, is crime and violence so high in Roseau and Portsmouth that you need to do this? What you Mr. Commisioner need to do is have you officers do more foot patrol instead of sitting at HQ cantine playing dominoes. Let them mingle and talk to the public. Also set up a national emergency number like 911 so that when somthing happens the public can get you guys easily. It takes 5 min for your officers to run from HQ to bayfront. You got a whole bunch of motocycles from the chinese, set up a motocyle unit for quick response. Lastly practise better mordern investigation techniques when investigating crime with capable prosecution.
Last i checked more than 75% of those crime most of which go unsolved did not happen in the heart of town. Why not put camera in every village and every road.
Not practical.
You should consider that those criminals are brazen ones and by the time the police arrive whether they are on motorcycles they are gone. Furthermore, the police cannot be everywhere.
Good initiative mr. Carbon. A cctv system is installed at the new State house so there is no reason it can not be done for Roseau or Portsmouth. However, if any evidence obtained this way can not be presented in court our people may misinterpret it
merely as a system to spyon them.
Electronic Evidence Bill is already Law: http://www.dominica.gov.dm/laws/2010/Electronic%20Evidence%20no.%2013.pdf
Are we at the stage now to make that request or are we inviting tohse incidents to our shores, of what strategic intersat is Dominica to any of these terrorist Countries, what do we have any of these countries will want, who are we harbouring that is a threat to any country, Law enforcement in Dominica need to solve all those unsolves crimes in Dominica ie the Gon Emanuel issue, evidence which is right at their door step
We really do need those cameras so the deceitful police officers can misappropriate
What you need to do is to clean up your corrupt police force, then civilians can feel confident that the recording don’t end up in the wrong hands. Those cameras will record activities of people day to day life (PRIVATE LIFE), just hope you understand that.
Ask the Commissioner Of Police what about the video click of a stabbing during carnival that was made available to the police a couple of years ago and the video could not be used in court.
So what different would these cameras make when the recording cannot be used in court as evidence.
As usual we are putting the cart before the horse or does it depend on who commit the crime?
I have not doubt that the cameras would aid in solving crimes but if there is no legislation for it to be used in court, then it’s almost useless.
I dont want to hear the argument that it can used as a police investigative tool, with the advance use of Information Technology in policing that is not enough.
Get the legislation and the systems to utilize the Technology, like we see in Boston in place first and then install the cameras.
Although Dalrymple was my padna the truth is the legal system failed us in that the law was only passed in 2010, so the evidence could not be accepted in court at that time. Now the situation is different. What should happen is that the public should be educated about these laws that are being passed each year and the police as well because I know of a case last year that the police told a complainant that video evidence could not be used only to have the person complain to his SGT to force him to have an expect collect it and provide a report for evidence in court.
CCTV only helped because the police force in Boston is not a failed institution. The professionalism of the chief of police, and every other member of the force was the determing factor there, not just CCTV.
It is very likely that here on island the criminal or criminals would be defended by some politician OR politicians while the entire police force remains MOO MOO……MOO MOO……MOO MOO……MOO MOO! IMPOTENT IMPOTENT IMPOTENT! They are all a ser of SOO TE WER! SOO TE WER!
SOO TE WER! SOO TE WER! SOO TE WER!
It’s shameful to see the way some,rather most of our officers carry out their function.If they hate you they will hound you to the hilt, if they are afraid of you, you walk away with murder,arson,money laundering,cocaine trafficking,rape,treason,incest,fraud,etc, etc,…
WHAT A SHAME,,,,CCTV NOR GONNA CURE DAT BWAY!
This would really help! “upper” class neighbourhood residents such as those residing in St. Aroment, Castle Comfort, Mourne Daniel should also install CCTV on their premises as most Criminals target these areas.
Mr Carbon what is the latest with the GON Emmanuel firebombing and attempted murder Sir?
Mr Carbon are efforts being made to bring
Sico/Seco back to Dominica Sir?
Mr Carbon why is it that the police force which you lead is so hell bent on selective justice Sir? Mr Carbon are you being dictated to by someone who seem to be wielding greater power than you Sir?
Mr Carbon can certain sections of the population go after others like Obama IS GOING AFTER AL QAEDA SIR? Isn’t this pronouncement making you quiver in your pants Sir?
LORD IN HEAVEN HELP US!
Spray this comment with baygon
@IPO Think your armpit should be sprayed first with super baygon, because things are too bad on island for you to buy any deodorant..This will cause you to listen attentively and to digest all my bloggs. Lapdogs like you have to develop the discipline of allowing dissent. Are we in a dictatorship led by grovellors like you? Well my friend you have to tie you waist and go searching for work. The failed state is staring you in your Red Eyes.
Not representing the Commissioner, but my response to your question is ask MR EMMANUEL, what happened to his alleged arson case. Sort ZOR Sort! Emmanuel laughing at you all. Whilst all you bush lawyers make empty noise on his behalf.
thirst of all there are already two in roseau and second they have what is called the patriots act which gives them the right to… the gov’t of Dominica at present don’t have the right
Yal have any blasted money for that….you done know they not going to be able to maintain that program nor equipment! Is only police officers and ministers making bomb…and we all know in dominica that doe mean the explosive kind..dey just wasting time and tax money.
why not have your lazy officers roam the streets?Thats the best camera for Roseau.
so how i going to check dem spanish nah… i doh want too much eyes veying my seen u check…
Lamp. Too funny i could hear u
CCTV cameras, so why should anyone live in Dominica as u copy everything in America except the high standard of living & punishment of corrupt politicians, i smell spy service for the Govt.
now that wud be great
yeah sounds good to me!
IT WAS ABOUT TIME! good move
what they doing with cctv and they cannot legally use it in court.there are many qualified domincans in feronsic sciences. when they come home they cant get no job cause our laws so backward they court cannt use evidence gathered through that means to convict people.unless laws change use the money to fix the road in pond casse.
Be positive. It will be changed in time. Do not only be negative and complain. Inform your politician about your views.
The law is there and being enforced. Do your research before you bash Dominica like that:
http://www.dominica.gov.dm/laws/2010/Electronic%20Evidence%20no.%2013.pdf