Install good quality CCTV cameras: Compol

Mangaluru: In the backdrop of the recent incident at a pub in Balmatta and other incidents, the city Police Commissioner Sandeep Patil, has issued strict instructions in connection to the installation of CCTV cameras in the city.

The state government had issue instructions two year ago in this regard according to which good quality CCTV cameras have to be compulsorily installed at places attracting over a hundred people at a time. However, this rule has not been strictly implemented in many cases wherein the cameras have either been non-functional or of poor quality, hence useless.

According to the law, good quality CCTV cameras in working condition must be installed at places attracting large number of people like religious centers, schools and colleges, shops, establishments, banks, offices, hospitals, medical shops, bus stands, railway stations, film theatres, markets, commercial malls, pubs, bars and other such places. However, the rule is not strictly followed by many firms and establishments.

Post the recent altercation opposite a pub at Balmatta, the Police Department convened meeting and issued warning. The police station inspectors have been directed to check about the existence and working of CCTV cameras once every month. Additionally, the cameras must be good quality, capable of recording video in the night and must have at least 30 days of video recording capacity.

A few unsavory incidents have occurred outside the pubs in the city and in most cases, the CCTV cameras were found to be non-functional. In such cases, the police have the right to cancel the permit of the buildings, bars and pubs and other places, arrest or impose fine for the violating the CCTV camera rule.

City Police Commissioner Sandeep Patil said that the CCTV camera rule is not being followed properly in the city. In case of crimes or untoward incidents, the cameras help the police in information gathering. Strict instructions have been issue, police officers have been asked to check the existence and working of the cameras on a monthly basis. Strict action will be initiated against bars and pubs that function beyond the permitted hours.