Prevention and solving crime are not the only community benefits with Tasmania Police now having full access to the City of Hobart’s public facing CCTV network.
Police have already solved several crimes since gaining access to the more than 330 camera views throughout the Hobart CBD, including tracking an interstate visitor after a number of robberies before he could head back to the mainland.
But Police have also used the network to assist in the rescue of 18 walkers stranded at the top of kunanyi / Mt Wellington last month after they were caught on the summit in blizzard like conditions.
Tasmania Police Commander Jason Elmer said the collaborative work between the City and Police was already paying dividends.
“It allows us to view in real time the CCTV to also playback, record download footage for evidentiary purposes,” Commander Elmer said.
“It's been installed for about three weeks but already it has assisted in a number of matters across the city including assisting police officers on the ground in apprehending offenders following incidents.
“It assisted in ensuring the welfare of a group of people who were recently stuck on Mount Wellington and then subsequently rescued by City of Hobart employees.
“It goes a long way towards ensuring community safety."
Commander Elmer said Tasmania Police would always keep a presence on the ground, but this was another tool that would enhance community safety by allowing access to crucial vision.
“It certainly has assisted us in a number of incidents since the since the installation of them,” he said.
“There's been a couple of matters in the CBD where we've been able to provide great assistance to our people on the ground to be able to locate people that we've been looking for.
"This is a terrific initiative with the City of Hobart."
Anyone who witnesses anti-social or illegal behaviour should report it to police on 131 444, or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers anonymously at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.