Some CCTV is already up and running as installation of the 68 cameras continues across Invercargill and Bluff.
Council has committed $2.3 million for stage one, to investigate and install CCTV across parts of Invercargill and Bluff after requests from the community and Police.
Cameras at Stirling Point and South City are expected to be installed and operational before Christmas, bringing the total CCTV installed to 46, 18 of which will be operational.
Crime-preventative signs have also been put up across the locations to serve as a reminder that CCTV is operating.
Earlier this month, Council Chief Executive Michael Day and Southern Area Commander Inspector Mike Bowman formally signed an updated MOU, marking an important step in this initiative with the integration of 68 cameras across 23 locations.
Day said the CCTV system will assist Police with investigations, which may be helped by recorded footage.
“The agreement between Council and Police details the use of information for the purpose of supporting investigations into criminal activity, public safety, road safety and emergency management.”
The agreement acknowledged and ensured that Council would securely maintain the system and data, and also acknowledged Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and Privacy Act 2020 obligations.
Day said the agreement should come as some reassurance to the community that Council and Police are committed to enhancing security in the city.
Council Group Manager Infrastructure Erin Moogan said she was pleased that a number of key sites would be operational before the holiday period.
“Having CCTV operational in our city should come as peace of mind to those using these areas that we are doing what we can to keep our community safe and help prevent crime.”
Regular support and maintenance had been contracted for the new CCTV network to ensure the system remained effective and reliable, she said.
Stage one of the project involves installing CCTV within the Tay St-Gala St-Queens Dr-Leven St boundary, South City, and Stirling Point in Bluff.
All sites are expected to be live by mid-February 2025.
Stage two is expected to begin next year and involves scoping the wider Invercargill area for further potential CCTV placements.
