Colombia. Interior Minister Juan Fernando Cristo said that before the end of this year, Valledupar will have 380 security cameras in operation to combat crime, with an investment of close to $11 billion (US$3.7 million).
It is a shock plan implemented by the National Government against the risk factors for citizen tranquility. "We are concerned about crimes such as street robbery, cell phone theft, micro-extortion, microtrafficking, which affect not only citizens and the perception of security."
He pointed out that with the cameras it is intended that in the first half of 2016 the first positive results will be achieved with a substantial reduction in crime. According to Christ, these teams serve to prevent crime, to prosecute the offender and to prosecute him.
"We are going to evaluate compliance with the schedule, but I think we are doing very well and the first 15 days of December we will be back in Valledupar, with President Santos, inaugurating this system that will be one of the most modern and complete in the country."
The mayor of Valledupar, Fredys Socarrás, thanked the National Government for its support for the program. "We are doing well with the schedule, all the poles are driven and we aspire to close this year with good technology to face crime."
Two hours later, Cristo traveled to Riohacha, where he announced that at the end of this year the city will be fully monitored with 228 security cameras in which $5.6 billion (US$1.9 million) will be invested in agreement with the telecommunications company Une.
The official said that the objective is to provide full coverage to combat insecurity, especially street robbery, cell phone theft, micro-extortion and microtrafficking, which are the ones that are most affecting citizens. He added that this, together with the progress in public lighting with LED technology implemented by the Municipal Administration, will give the Police the instruments to carry out their surveillance function.
"Additionally, there will be a modern monitoring center at the police headquarters and an alternate point at the Municipal Palace. The works of adaptation of the command where 320 men serve are also advanced.
They also invest another $1.5 billion ($500,000) through the Police Revolving Fund in more security cameras and $2.5 billion ($857,000) in the Riohacha district police station.
