ORANGE’S CCTV camera system is a step closer to completion after a large monitoring screen was installed at Orange Police Station yesterday.
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Several cameras have already been installed throughout the CBD.
Sites include at the Commonwealth Bank corner, near the fire station, the corner of McNamara Lane and Summer Street and the corner of Anson and Summer streets.
Superintendent Mark Szalajko said officers will not be assigned full time to monitor the cameras via the screen at the station.
However, it will be a valuable tool to fight crime and anti-social behaviour in the CBD.
“I can assure the people of Orange cameras will not be used to scan indiscrimantly.
“But what I do want to say is that if you are a drug dealer or user making deals in the CBD it’s time to rethink and move on to another city,” he said.
Head of Orange City Council’s community safety committee Cr Glenn Taylor said it was pleasing to see Orange’s plan for CCTV cameras has finally come to fruition.
“Superintendent Szalajko is to be congratulated for putting this back on the agenda and driving this - our city will be a better place,” he said.
Ten years ago Orange City Council installed a trial camera under the awning of the Hotel Canobolas for a trial period.
However the expense of the network meant costs were prohibitive and the idea was shelved.
Supt Szalajko put the matter on the agenda again 18 months ago encouraging council to seek federal government funding for the project.
The cost of technology for the network has decreased meaning the project was more feasible.
